Roasted Lamb Ribs

Published: Mar 6, 2024 by Michelle Minnaar · This post may contain affiliate links

Wonderfully tender lamb ribs, flavored with a tongue-tingling spice rub and marinated in a mouth-watering BBQ sauce, this recipe is guaranteed to make a memorable midweek meal or sensational Sunday lunch.

So, treat your taste buds and get cracking with this easy, delicious roast recipe!

Why you'll love this lamb ribs recipe

Lamb is one of the best types of meat. It’s healthy, rich, and, when cooked properly, melt-in-the-mouth fantastic!
Cooking lamb ribs low and slow with a fantastic marinade will make your taste buds dance.
It makes for a sensational feast when served with a creamy mash and roasted vegetables.

Equipment needed

Here are a few key items you’ll need when making your roasted lamb ribs recipe:

Baking dish – a good quality baking or roasting dish is a must
Metal tongs – these make any ribs recipe easier
Serving platter – a serving platter is a good way to serve up ribs, especially at a backyard BBQ

Top tips

Allow the ribs to rest for about 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps redistribute the juices within the meat.

How to cook lamb ribs

Prepare the spice mix.

Lamb ribs and a bowl of spices on a table.

Rub the spice mix on the lamb ribs all over. At this point you can marinate the lamb ribs in the fridge overnight.

Wrap the lamb ribs in foil and bake in the oven.

Ingredients for spicy bbq sauce on a table.

Now to make the BBQ sauce to slather on the ribs.

Place all the sauce ingredients in a pot. Heat gently and stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Set aside.

Unwrap the lamb rack and place in a baking sheet.

Baste the rack of lamb with BBQ sauce all over and let it brown in the oven. Enjoy!

What to serve with lamb ribs

There are so many options when it comes to picking a side for this roast lamb ribs recipe. Here are just a few recipes that would work well:

Sides

Potatoes

Roasted sweet potato mash – a wonderfully tasty, healthy alternative to mashed potatoes, this is an easy dish to master. Add ribs and you’ve got an amazing meal
Rosemary potatoes – the classic oven roasted potato, these are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The rosemary would work wonders with roast lamb ribs
Boulangere potatoes – this classic French oven tray bake potato dish is creamy and utterly delicious

Creamy sides

Turnip skordalia – garlicky, creamy, healthy and incredibly tasty, this Greek classic is the ideal side to a rich meat dish like roasted ribs
Celeriac puree – another creamy, healthy side that’s packed full of flavor, this dish is quick and easy to make and pairs deliciously with rich meat dishes

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Others

Tobacco onions – smoky, crispy and downright delicious, this sensational side is a fantastic dish to pair with ribs
Roasted Jerusalem artichokes – an underrated vegetable that works well on the side of a roast dish. If you're looking for a side that brings something a little different, this oven-roasted recipe is ideal
Yorkshire Pudding wrap is a twist on the classic Sunday roast. Why don't you try this mouth-watering lamb inside a Yorkshire pudding wrap?

Wine pairing

Something like a pinot noir would work well with the lamb. The acidity and bright, fruity notes are the perfect foil for the earthy richness of the dish.

A South African Pinotage is another wine that goes well with big, rich meat dishes and would be an excellent match for this roast ribs dish.

Variations to this recipe

Variations

There are a few additions and alterations you can make to tweak this ribs recipe to your tastes:

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub and sauce for desired heat levels. If you want to bring more heat, add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the marinade mixture. Add an earthy, spicy twist to the ribs with a teaspoon of cumin.
Herb Additions: Incorporating dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the rub can add a different flavor profile. You can also use fresh rosemary or other spices.
Citrus Twist: Adding a bit of orange zest to the rub or a splash of orange juice to the BBQ sauce can introduce a sweet, tangy flavor.
BBQ Sauce Flavors: Add ingredients like apple cider vinegar, molasses, or even a splash of bourbon to the BBQ sauce for different flavor dimensions. You can also use minced garlic to make it more of a garlic sauce.
Smoking: If you have a smoker, consider smoking the ribs for a portion of the cooking time for an authentic smoky flavor.

Popular substitutions

For the Rub:
- Spices: You can substitute regular paprika if smoked paprika is unavailable. Similarly, chili powder can replace cayenne pepper for a milder heat.
- Sugar: If brown sugar is unavailable, use white sugar or honey for sweetness.
For the BBQ Sauce:
- Ketchup: Tomato paste diluted with a bit of water and a touch of sugar can be a substitute.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar mixed with a little sugar can be an alternative.
- Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil like canola or sunflower can be used. At a push you can use olive oil.

Top tips

Cooking times may vary based on different oven models. Your oven might retain heat better than most, which could lead to the ribs overcooking, so it's good to start checking the ribs for tenderness after 1.5 hours.
Ensure the lamb spare ribs are at room temperature and pat them dry before applying the rub. This will result in a more even cooking and a nicer texture.
Use kosher salt in place of normal sea salt for a purer flavor

What are lamb ribs?

Lamb ribs are a part of the breast primal cut. The bottom rib tip is cut from the breast into chops. Also known as lamb riblets, they are a popular cut of meat with a fantastic taste and texture. If you’re used to eating beef ribs, it’s time to give lamb a go.

Slow-cooking lamb racks ensure they will be succulent, tender, and crispy. The longer cooking time allows the lamb to soak up the flavors, with the last part of the process dedicated to crisping up the lamb's fat.

What's the best marinade for lamb ribs?

Marinating lamb ribs in the oven helps to keep them succulent and melt-in-the-mouth fantastic. Many marinades involve white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and salt and pepper.

The marinade for this lamb ribs recipe calls for a barbecue sauce applied after a spice rub. First, spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, mustard seeds, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt and pepper deliver fantastic flavor.

Next, a barbecue sauce consisting of vegetable oil, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mild mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper brings extra depth to the flavor profile of these delicious grilled lamb ribs.

Are lamb ribs the same as rack of lamb?

No, they are different. Lamb ribs, sometimes called lamb riblets, come in square slabs or separate “riblets.” They are cut from the rib cage's lower part, like a lamb’s version of spare ribs. They are chunky, meaty and delicious!

A rack consists of 8 ribs, cut from the upper part of the ribs joined to the backbone. They look thinner and more elegant than lamb ribs or lamb riblets.

What's the best way to cook lamb riblets?

You get the best flavor and texture when you cook ribs low and slow. Applying a spice rub before you slow-cook ribs and adding a marinating sauce produces an even better taste.

You can also grill lamb ribs on an outdoor grill or barbecue.

Where can I buy lamb ribs?

Your best bet is your local butcher's or grocery store. You'll also find lamb ribs at all good supermarkets.

Are lamb spare ribs tough?

It depends on how they are cooked. With this recipe, the lamb ribs are marinated in a delicious sauce and simmered in the oven while covered in foil, which helps to keep them tender rather than tough.

What temperature should cooked lamb ribs be?

Lamb ribs should be cooked to at least 125ºF/52ºC (for rare). For medium rare, cook them to 135°F/55ºC.

Can you cook lamb ribs in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Place the lamb in the slow cooker and cover with the cooking liquid. You’ll need to cook them on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

As with the recipe below, you’ll need to drain the liquid after 90 minutes.

Can you make them in an instant pot?

Yes! Place them in the Instant Pot with the marinade and pressure cook for 20 minutes. Drain the liquid, then finish browning the lamb in the pan for 3–4 minutes on high heat.

How do you store lamb ribs leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and use within two or three days.

More lamb recipes

Can’t get enough of this underrated meat? Greedy Gourmet has so many delicious, easy to cook recipes. Here are just a few, to keep things cooking in the kitchen!

Mexican lamb tacos – these tacos are dangerously addictive! A recipe that showcases Mexican food at its very best, the tender, smoky and spicy lamb will make your taste buds tingle
Mongolian lamb – a super quick stir fry to liven up your weeknights, this is a dish with a taste that's out of this world
Lamb tikka – a classic Indian skewered recipe, this is perfect for a summer party
BBQ pulled lamb – unbelievably tasty, this pulled lamb burgers are a show-stopping sensation
Roasted Indian leg of lamb – another spicy, slow-cooked sensation, this slow cooked spiced lamb leg is a real treat. Cook it as a creative twist on a classic roast for a special occasion
Minted lamb burgers – these burgers are fragrant, rich and so easy to cook, a delicious alternative to a typical burger

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