Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 10 min
Servings
2
These Sichuan Honey Glazed American Lamb Ribs are the perfect balance of sweet, savory and spicy. Slow-roasted until tender, the lamb ribs are coated with a fragrant blend of Sichuan peppercorns, cumin, coriander and honey before being finished with a sticky citrus glaze. Whether you're serving them as a shareable appetizer or the centerpiece of dinner, this succulent lamb recipe delivers bold flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture and an unforgettable combination of smoky heat and sweet caramelization.
Ingredients
1 rack American Lamb Ribs (about 1.25 pounds / 9 ribs)
Spice Blend
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking Liquid
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/2 cup Shaoxing wine
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
Finishing Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 lime, juiced
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro
- Chili flakes
Directions
Cut lamb rack into individual ribs; place into a baking dish, lightly season with salt.
For the Spice Blend: Grind together peppercorns, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, chili flakes and salt; rub all over the ribs.
Add soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, wine, honey and ribs to the baking dish; stir well to combine.
Cook at 325°F for 1 hour. Turn ribs; continue cooking another 30 minutes to 1 hour or more, depending on desired doneness. Turn occasionally to brown; add liquid if needed. Remove from the oven.
For the Finishing Sauce: In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce and lime juice.
To serve: Transfer ribs to a serving dish; top with Finishing Sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, cilantro and chili flakes as desired.
USDA recommends the following time and temperature parameters
Ground Lamb
Internal temperature of 160°F
All Other Cuts
Internal temperature of 145°F, with a 3 minute rest
What are lamb ribs and how should they be cooked?
Lamb ribs are a flavorful, richly-marbled cut that benefits from slower cooking to help render the fat and tenderize the meat. For Sichuan Honey Glazed American Lamb Ribs, the ribs are cooked until tender before being finished with the glaze. Slow roasting is a particularly effective way to develop tender lamb with a flavorful exterior.
Do lamb ribs need to be trimmed before cooking?
Lamb ribs can contain a layer of fat that helps keep the meat flavorful and moist during cooking. You can trim away any particularly thick or uneven areas of fat while leaving enough to protect the meat as it roasts. Proper trimming can also make the finished Sichuan Honey Glazed American Lamb Ribs easier to eat.
What temperature should lamb ribs be cooked to?
Unlike lamb chops or other quick-cooking cuts, tenderness is an important consideration when preparing lamb ribs. Cook them until the meat is tender while also following the recommended lamb food-safety temperature of 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest for whole cuts of lamb. A meat thermometer can help verify the internal temperature.
How do I make lamb ribs tender?
The key to tender lamb ribs is giving them enough time to cook so the connective tissue can break down. Cooking the ribs slowly before applying the glaze helps produce the tender texture desired for Sichuan Honey Glazed American Lamb Ribs. Avoid rushing the cooking process simply to reach the minimum safe temperature.
Can I grill lamb ribs instead of roasting them?
Yes. Lamb ribs can be finished on a hot grill after they have been cooked until tender. For Sichuan Honey Glazed American Lamb Ribs, grilling at the end can help caramelize the glaze and add a lightly charred flavor. Watch the ribs closely because the honey in the glaze can brown quickly over high heat.
How should I store leftover lamb ribs?
Refrigerate leftover lamb ribs in a covered container within two hours of cooking. Keeping the ribs properly chilled helps preserve their quality and food safety. Gently reheat the lamb in the oven or another low-heat method to help prevent the meat from drying out.
Can cooked lamb ribs be frozen?
Yes. Cooked lamb ribs can be frozen in an airtight container or tightly wrapped freezer-safe packaging. For the best quality, remove as much excess air as possible before freezing. Thaw the ribs in the refrigerator and reheat them gently before serving.
Where can I buy American Lamb?
Shop at a local butcher shop near you or use our a store locator.
