How To Cook Lamb Ribs

Lamb ribs are a delicious and tender cut of meat, perfect for a special meal or a casual gathering with friends and family. Known for their rich flavor and succulent texture, lamb ribs can be prepared in various ways, such as grilling, roasting, or braising. With the right seasoning and cooking technique, lamb ribs can be a mouthwatering dish that will impress anyone at the dinner table. Here’s a simple guide on how to cook lamb ribs to perfection.

What Are Lamb Ribs?

Lamb ribs are a cut of meat that comes from the rib section of a lamb, much like pork ribs. The ribs are often sold as either whole racks or individually cut into smaller pieces. When cooked properly, lamb ribs are tender, juicy, and flavorful with a slightly gamey taste that many find irresistible. They can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or on the stove, depending on your preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 rack of lamb ribs (about 1.5–2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Lamb Ribs

Start by preparing the lamb ribs. If they are whole racks, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure the meat becomes tender during cooking. This can be done by gently lifting the membrane with a knife and pulling it off with your fingers or a paper towel. Once the membrane is removed, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear when cooking.

2. Making the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. This marinade will add depth of flavor and ensure that the lamb ribs are moist and aromatic.

3. Marinating the Ribs

Rub the marinade all over the lamb ribs, ensuring that they are evenly coated. If you have time, let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or even overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor. If you’re short on time, you can proceed immediately to cooking, but marinating the meat will always yield a more flavorful result.

4. Cooking the Lamb Ribs: Roasting Method

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the lamb ribs on a baking sheet or roasting pan, bone-side down. Roast the ribs for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If you like your ribs well-done with a crispy exterior, you can broil them for an additional 3-5 minutes at the end of the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.

5. Grilling Method (Alternative)

If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the lamb ribs on the grill, bone-side down. Grill the ribs for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Be sure to flip the ribs carefully to avoid burning. For even cooking, you can move the ribs to a cooler part of the grill after searing and let them finish cooking with indirect heat.

Once the lamb ribs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the oven or grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, making the ribs more tender and flavorful.

Slice the ribs between the bones to separate them into individual pieces. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips

• You can enhance the flavor by adding a glaze or sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. A balsamic glaze or mint sauce works particularly well with lamb.
• For added flavor, you can rub the lamb ribs with a dry spice rub or add additional herbs like oregano or cumin to the marinade.
• Lamb ribs are delicious when served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Also Read: How To Cook Calamari