Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Cherry Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb chops coated in fresh herbs and roasted to perfection, served with a rich cherry reduction. This french-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes pairs rack of lamb, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 French cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat rack of lamb dry, then rub with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place lamb fat-side up on a wire rack set in a roasting pan. Roast for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare (135°F internal temperature), flipping halfway through.
  3. Step 3: While lamb rests, make sauce: Heat 1/2 cup red wine in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half (5 minutes). Stir in 1 cup frozen cherries, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard, simmering for 8 minutes until thickened and cherry juice reduces to a glossy sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Cherry Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Cherry Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rack of lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Cherry Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Cherry Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Cherry Sauce?

French beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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