Pesto Crusted Lamb Rack

Aromit

Hey guys,

Today I'm going to try these 4 racks of lamb for a new year's party.

I bought a basil spinach pesto, pines nuts and coarse bread crumbs.

I took most fat off of the racks and roasted the pine nuts in an over at 375F for about 40 minutes. They were golden brown. I then ground all the pine nuts to a crumb size, added the bread crumbs and ground down some parmigiano-reggiano and added that as well. The consistency is that of coarse bread crumbs.

Once complete, I applied the pesto to the racks on the meat side only and then pressed the crust on top.

Now this is where I'm going to ask of your opinion. I had in mind a very basic routine

1. Set the egg for anywhere between 350F and 375F.
2. Place the lamb racks on the grid with bones interlocked so that they are standing up (as shown in the first picture)
3. Cook until internal temp is 115F.
4. Remove from grid and let it rest for about 10 minutes and then cut.

Now, my concerns are the following:

1. Will this method work? or will it burn all the crust by the time the internal temp gets to 115F?
2. Is there a better, easier method?
3. I'm positioning the racks in the interlocked way to try and keep the crust away from the direct flame. However, I'm concerned that it will burn too quickly in that area. Maybe it's better to place it bone down?

Looking forward to your comments.

My bother in law is already ahead and making some fine short ribs.


Fresh Lamb Racks - Denuded


Prepared and ready for the egg


Brother in Law's Short Ribs

JustineCaseyFeldown

The crust won't burn. Brown maybe. 

Sounds great. a favorite cook, rack of lamb...

bgebrent

Sounds great!  Love lamb.  Good luck.

lousubcap

As above, bring it home-just did a couple of racks last Sunday.  I'm guessing you are running raised direct given the crust.  No worries as long as you nail the target finish temp. 
BTW- welcome aboard and continue to enjoy the journey.  Obviously not your first rodeo.  Enjoy the cook and eats.

Aromit

Hey guys,

Thought I'd update this thread and let you all know how it went. 

We ran it indirect because the egg had just come off of an 8 hours roast (short ribs).

I took it to 350F and left it there until internal temp was 119F.

At 119F it was still kind of rare so I left it some more until 133F. I thought we had overcooked it but it was a pleasant surprise to see it came out fine when we cut it.

Pictures below. The crust came out great as did the consistency. Thanks to all for the advice!

IN THE EGG, PRIOR TO COOKING WITH THERMOCOUPLES FOR INTERNAL TEMP AND GRID TEMP CHECKING.


HOW IT TURNED OUT


Happy new years to you all and here's to a 2017 full of new BGE adventures!

SciAggie

That looks very nice. I have two racks of lamb I'm saving for a get together with friends. I may steal from this recipe. 

lousubcap

Thanks for the follow-up.  Great result right there.  Congrats.  Happy New Year.

Aromit

@SciAggie if you need the complete list of things I got and what I did, let me know and I'll post it here.

SciAggie

@Aromit Thanks. When I get close to doing the cook I may PM with questions. 

Steve76

Can't go wrong with rack of lamb. Lots of ways... I do a simple rub, direct at 400 or so, pull at 135 IT, rest for 10 minutes or so, slice and enjoy!

Legume

I must've missed this the first and second times around.  Great idea, I will be borrowing this.

etherdome

You just convinced me to tackle rack of lamb next. That is something I have never done, and to be honest have only eaten it a handful of times in my 44 years. Looks phenomenal!!!!

da87

Great revival on this thread - those lamb racks are a thing of beauty!