What Sauce to Serve with Rack of Lamb (18 Best Sauces)

When you’re serving rack of lamb, you want to make sure it’s the star of the show, so you’ve got to pair it up with the right sauce.

The standard is a mint jelly or mint sauce, but you can do something different!

Here are some sauces that go especially well with rack of lamb:

18 Sauces to Serve with Rack of Lamb

Whether you’re serving a rack of lamb for a special occasion or simply to impress your guests with your cooking skills, there’s no reason to just serve it with a boring old side of mint jelly.

We’ve compiled a list of 18 sauces that can make any rack of lamb a star:

1. Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote

This is great if you’re serving the rack at an event like Easter.

It’s heavy on the fruit, so it pairs nicely with the meat and helps relieve people from the meatiness.

If you want to get really adventurous, add some ginger and mint to give it some zing!

2. BBQ Sauce

If you want something a little more casual, this is the sauce for you.

You can’t go wrong with BBQ sauce and it’s super simple—just be sure to use low sodium sauce because otherwise it can get too salty and overpower the meat.

3. Peanut Butter Curry

If you want something that packs a flavorful punch, this peanut sauce is for you.

The rich texture and savory flavor of the curry will be perfectly balanced by the creamy texture of the peanut butter.

4. Cranberry Chutney

This has a high level of spiciness and sweetness, which makes it excellent paired with the flavor of a medium-rare lamb steak or chop.

The cranberry’s tartness serves as a good contrast to the meat, while the chutney’s spice will add an extra layer of complexity.

5. Rack of Lamb with Truffle Sauce

For those who are willing to spend the extra dollar on truffles, this is an excellent choice for a luxurious mealtime experience—one that will leave guests asking for seconds.

6. Rack of Lamb with Fig Sauce

Perfection in a bottle: figs blended with white wine and cream cheese make a decadent sauce that’s sure to impress any guest at the table.

7. Uni Butter

Uni butter isn’t just limited to sushi—it’s also a delicious sauce that can be served alongside a lamb entrée.

It’s made with sea urchin roe, which is rich in protein and vitamins A&E.

8. Chimichurri

This sauce, which originates in Argentina, is made with fresh herbs, oil, and vinegar, and has a tangy flavor profile that goes well with the strong taste of lamb.

9. Mango Chutney

If you love the taste of mango, then this is for you!

Mango chutney is a sweet sauce made from mangoes that originated in India.

It’s traditionally served with grilled fish but can also be paired well with any red meat.

10. Lamb Pan Sauce

This sauce is made from red wine, roasted leg, and chicken stock.

It’s perfect for those who want to add something extra to their rack of lamb.

The red wine adds depth and richness, while the chicken stock gives it a bit more flavor.

11. Red Wine Sauce

Red wine sauce is an easy way to add a touch of sophistication to your dinner party.

It also goes well with sweet potatoes, so feel free to add those into the mix for a little more freshness.

12. Salsa

Salsa adds crunch and freshness to any meal, so feel free to add it on top of your meat while you’re cooking—or save it until the very end, when you’re plating up your food.

13. Honey Mustard

If you’re looking for something classic and easy-to-make, honey mustard is great.

It goes especially well with racks of lamb that have been roasted.

1. To make it, combine 1/2 cup each of honey and Dijon mustard (or to taste) in a small bowl.
2. Mix well and serve on the side.

14. Raspberry Sauce

This fruity sauce is the perfect accompaniment to a rack of lamb that has been grilled or seared.

1. Combine 1/4 cup of raspberry jam, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar and 1/4 cup water in a small pan over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and allow cooling for about 10 minutes before serving over the top of your rack of lamb.

15. Apple Sauce

Apple sauce can be used to top rack of lamb, or it can be served alongside for dipping.

The best apples to use are those that are sweet but not too sweet—a mix of tart and sweet works best.

You can also make this sauce from scratch or just buy it from the store. The choice is yours!

16. Dill Sauce

Dill sauce goes great with rack of lamb because it has a fresh taste that compliments the meat without overpowering it.

For best results, make sure you use fresh dill for maximum flavor impact and aroma.

17. Tzatziki

We love tzatziki!

It’s a Greek sauce made from thickened yogurt, dill, cucumbers, and garlic.

It pairs well with chicken and fish as well as lamb. You can serve it alongside or dip the pieces in. It’s also delicious on a sandwich!

18. Orange sauce

For this one, you’ll need to start with oranges (or any citrus fruit) that are peeled and cut into pieces.

Then simmer them in water until they’re very soft—about an hour or two. Strain out the peels and serve warm over your rack of lamb.

How to Pick a Sauce that Goes Well with Rack of Lamb

How do you make sure everyone has the great experience of tasting the flavor of the lamb and not being overwhelmed by an overbearing side sauce?

Here are some things to think about:

Look at The Flavors in Your Lamb Dish

Think about what flavors would pair well with it.

Do you have any fresh herbs on hand? How about citrus?

Fruits like plums or apricots work well if you have them, or try blueberries or cranberries.

A simple orange sauce is always a great choice—just be sure to squeeze your own oranges, since bottled juice is almost always loaded with added sugar!

Think About Texture as Well

Cream sauces and buttery sauces go very well with lamb, but if you’re looking for something lighter, a sauce that’s already thick enough to coat the lamb without having to be thickened further is ideal.

How Sweet or Savory Do I Want My Lamb?

(Sweeter sauces will go better with younger lamb and savory sauces will complement older, stronger-flavored ones.)

Are there any herbs in the sauce that might clash with the flavor of the lamb? (This is especially true if you’re using mint or rosemary.)

How subtle or bold do I want my sauce? (Bolder flavors will complement strong flavors in the lamb.) And lastly, how thick is the sauce?

Is Everyone at The Table a Fan of This Particular Flavor Profile?

How do you know if everyone at the table likes this particular flavor profile?

You can’t rely on just one sauce and expect everyone to go for it.

For example, mint jelly is great on lamb, but some folks might find it overpowering.

If you want to be sure that everyone enjoys their meal, don’t just choose one sauce and hope for the best.