PANKO-CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB

Panko-Crusted Rack of Lamb image

Provided by Ina Garten

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 ounces creamy goat cheese, such as Montrachet
1 1/4 cups panko (Japanese bread flakes)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
Fleur de sel or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Good olive oil
2 racks of lamb (1 1/2 pounds each), trimmed and frenched (see Cook's Notes)
3 tablespoons good Dijon mustard

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil.
In a medium bowl, crumble the goat cheese with a fork. Add the panko, garlic, rosemary, thyme, 1 teaspoon fleur de sel and 1 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil and stir to moisten the crumbs. Set aside for a few minutes or cover and refrigerate.
Remove the racks of lamb from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you plan to cook them. Place the lamb, fat-side up, on the prepared pan. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons fleur de sel and 1 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 12 minutes exactly. Remove from the oven and, working quickly, use a knife to spread the mustard on the top of the lamb. Spread the crumb mixture evenly on the mustard, pressing gently to help the mixture adhere. Return the lamb to the oven right away and continue roasting for another 12 to 18 minutes (depending on the size of the lamb), until the crumbs are golden brown and the meat is 120 degrees F for rare or 125 degrees F for medium rare. (Insert an instant-read thermometer horizontally through the meat.)
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and allow the lamb to rest for 8 minutes. Cut the racks into single or double chops and serve hot.