9 Easy Steps to Cook Lamb Ribs in the Oven

To cook lamb ribs in the oven, start by choosing quality ribs with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.

Remove the membrane and trim excess fat to prepare the ribs properly. Then season with salt, pepper, and a rosemary-thyme rub for a delicious herb-infused taste.

Marinate the ribs if you like to enhance the flavors further.

Next, preheat your oven to 275°F and slow roast the ribs covered for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. This slow cooking method ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy.

Finish by unwrapping the ribs, adding your favorite sauce, and roasting at 400°F for caramelization. This final step gives the ribs a beautiful glaze and rich flavor.

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have tender, flavorful lamb ribs ready to impress. Plenty of tips are included to perfect your cooking process.

Key Takeaways

Remove the membrane from lamb ribs and trim excess fat for better flavor and tenderness.
Season ribs with kosher salt, black pepper, and a dried rosemary-thyme herb rub.
Preheat oven to 275°F and place ribs meaty side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover ribs with parchment and foil, then slow roast for about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Uncover ribs, apply sauce if desired, increase oven to 400°F, and roast until caramelized.

Selecting the Right Lamb Ribs

How do you pick the best lamb ribs for your oven recipe? Start by looking for Denver lamb ribs or lamb riblets, prized for their tenderness and rich flavor. Choose cuts with ample meat between the bones and some marbled fat to boost flavor and keep the ribs moist during cooking.

Freshness is key—select ribs that are bright red without discoloration, which signals high quality. Opt for grass-fed lamb when possible, as it offers a deeper, more complex flavor and is often healthier. Don’t forget to check the sell-by date on the packaging to verify freshness, and avoid any ribs that have excessive liquid or a strong odor.

Preparing the Ribs for Cooking

Before you start cooking, make certain to remove the ribs from their packaging and pat them dry to eliminate any excess moisture. Use a paper towel to thoroughly pat dry both sides of the ribs.

Next, prepare the ribs by following these steps:

Remove the membrane carefully from the back of the ribs to allow better seasoning absorption and improve texture.
Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Create a herb rub by mixing dried rosemary and thyme, then apply it evenly over the ribs.
Place the seasoned ribs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with the meaty side facing up, ready for cooking.

This preparation guarantees your seasoned ribs will be flavorful and tender.

Removing the Membrane and Trimming Fat

A key step to prepare lamb ribs for cooking is removing the thin, translucent membrane on the back, since it blocks seasonings and toughens the meat. To make removing the membrane easier, use a sharp knife to lift one end, then grip it with a paper towel and pull it off in one piece.

Next, focus on trimming fat. While excess fat can lead to greasy results, leaving about 1/4 inch helps keep the ribs moist and flavorful as it renders during cooking.

Properly removing the membrane and trimming fat not only improves flavor absorption but also enhances tenderness and overall cooking outcome. Taking these steps guarantees your lamb ribs develop that perfect tender texture and rich taste you’re aiming for.

Making the Marinade or Herb Rub

Once you’ve removed the membrane and trimmed the fat, it’s time to bring flavor to your lamb ribs. You can choose between a marinade or an herb rub to enhance the flavor profile.

For the herb rub, mix 6 teaspoons of dried rosemary with 2 teaspoons of dried thyme thoroughly.
For the marinade, combine lemon juice, minced garlic, and cream.
Season the ribs with sea salt and pepper before applying either mixture.
Save any leftover herb rub in a sealed jar for future use.

Applying any remaining marinade just before roasting adds a caramelized umami boost. This step guarantees your lamb ribs are bursting with flavor before you start cooking.

Marinating the Ribs Properly

Although marinating might seem straightforward, doing it properly is key to revealing the best flavor and tenderness in your lamb ribs. Start by mixing lemon juice, minced garlic, and cream to create a marinade that not only boosts flavor but also breaks down proteins, improving tenderness. Let your ribs soak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or, for deeper flavor, overnight in the fridge.

Once marinated, season the ribs with sea salt and pepper to enhance their savory profile. Just before placing them in the oven, apply a bit more marinade to the ribs; this will caramelize during cooking, adding an extra layer of delicious flavor. Proper marinating sets the foundation for perfectly cooked lamb ribs.

Preheating the Oven and Setting Up the Baking Tray

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F to create the perfect low and slow environment that tenderizes the lamb ribs.

Next, set up your baking tray for best results:

Next, prepare your baking tray carefully to ensure optimal cooking and easy cleanup.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Pat dry the ribs thoroughly; this helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning.
Arrange the ribs meaty side up on the lined baking sheet to guarantee even heat exposure.
Cover the ribs with another sheet of parchment and aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking.

Slow Roasting the Lamb Ribs

While the oven heats to 275°F, season your lamb ribs generously with sea salt and black pepper on both sides to boost their flavor. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Slow cook ribs at this low temperature for about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

After this cooking time, unwrap to check tenderness. The ribs should feel soft and juicy, ready for the next step. Cooking lamb ribs low and slow guarantees tender, flavorful meat that melts in your mouth.

Applying Sauce and Finishing With High Heat

Once your lamb ribs have become tender from slow roasting, it’s time to bring out their full flavor by applying sauce and finishing them with high heat. Follow these steps:

Remove ribs from the oven and unwrap foil and parchment to expose the meat. Brush ribs generously with your favorite sauce to enhance flavor and encourage caramelization. Increase oven temperature to 400°F and bake ribs uncovered for 20-25 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and become sticky.
For extra crispiness, broil the ribs for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

After this, let the ribs rest briefly before slicing to lock in juices and tenderness. This method guarantees a flavorful, caramelized finish with a perfect balance of crisp and juicy.

Resting and Serving the Lamb Ribs

Once you take the lamb ribs out of the oven, let them rest for about 5 minutes so the juices can settle and keep the meat tender.

When you’re ready to serve, slice carefully between the bones for easy portions. Pair the ribs with your favorite sides and drizzle any leftover sauce on top to boost the flavor.

Importance of Resting

Because you’ve just cooked the lamb ribs to perfection, letting them rest for at least five minutes is crucial to lock in their juices and flavor. Resting allows the meat to redistribute its juices, making it more tender and flavorful.

To get the best results, follow these steps:

Remove the ribs from the oven and place them on a cutting board.
Loosely cover them with foil to keep warm without steaming.
Let them rest undisturbed for at least five minutes to enhance texture.
After resting, cut into the ribs carefully to avoid losing those precious juices.

This brief resting period guarantees juicy, tender lamb ribs with a perfect texture that’ll impress every time.

Serving Suggestions

Letting the lamb ribs rest sets the stage for serving them at their best. After about 5 minutes, the juices redistribute, making every bite moist and full of rich flavor. When plating, serve lamb ribs in portions of 1 to 1.5 pounds for three people, as their intense taste means smaller servings satisfy.

For a well-rounded meal, pair the ribs with complementary sides like garlic butter rice and sautéed green beans. Drizzling a bit of BBQ sauce over the ribs adds both flavor and visual appeal. Consider your serving style by treating the lamb ribs as a flavorful component alongside your sides, rather than the sole focus, to create a balanced and enjoyable dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should Lamb Ribs Cook in the Oven?

You should cook lamb ribs in the oven for about 1 hour and 45 minutes at a low temperature of 275-300°F to make them tender.

Then, you’ll want to uncover them, brush on your favorite sauce, and bake at 400°F for another 20-25 minutes to get that nice caramelized finish.

Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on size, and rest them before serving for the best flavor.

How Long Should I Cook My Ribs in the Oven?

You should cook your ribs at a low temperature, around 275-300°F, for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake them uncovered for another 20-25 minutes to get a nice caramelized finish.

If they’re not tender yet, you can reseal and cook for an extra 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them since cooking times might vary depending on your oven and rib size.

How Long to Cook Rib of Lamb?

You should cook a rib of lamb for about 20 minutes per pound at 350°F for medium-rare, but times can vary based on size and oven. Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 135°F before resting.

After resting, it’ll reach 145°F, perfect for juicy, tender lamb. Adjust cooking times if you prefer it more or less done.

How Long Should I Cook My Lamb in the Oven?

You should cook your lamb ribs at a low temperature, around 275°F to 300°F, for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to make sure they’re tender.

Then, brush them with sauce and bake uncovered at 400°F for another 20-25 minutes to get that nice caramelized finish.

If they’re not tender enough after the first phase, you can cook them for an extra 15 minutes.

Always let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

By selecting savory, succulent lamb ribs and skillfully seasoning them, you set the stage for a satisfying supper. Slow roasting guarantees tender taste, while a final flash of fiery heat finishes with fantastic flavor.

Remember to rest your ribs, revealing rich, juicy rewards. With these simple steps, you’ll savor sensational, smoky sensations every time.

So, get grilling and glow with pride as you serve up spectacular, scrumptious lamb ribs straight from your oven! Enjoy the perfect combination of tenderness and bold flavors when you cook lamb ribs in the oven.