Ingredients:
- 1 (8-bone) center-cut pork rib rack (approx. 4.5 lbs), frenched
- 2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Remove the pork from its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Let the meat sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to ensure even cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon zest, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Mix until it forms a thick, fragrant paste.
- Rub the 2 tsp of sea salt and 1 tsp of pepper all over the meat, including the ends and the fat cap.
- Slather the herb paste over the top and sides of the pork rack, pressing it firmly into the meat.
- Place the pork in a preheated 450°F oven for 15 minutes until the exterior begins to sizzle and brown.
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F and continue roasting for about 1 hour until the internal temperature hits 145°F. Check the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
- Remove the roast from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes until the muscle fibers relax and reabsorb the juices.
- Cut between the bones to create individual chops. The meat should be ivory in color with a faint blush of pink in the center.