Lamb Chops Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s all about the perfect balance of flavors—the rosemary and thyme combined with lemon zest and a touch of balsamic vinegar make each bite of the lamb chops a taste explosion. Plus, the whole process is super millennial-friendly, offering an impressive dish that’s easy to whip up and show off on Instagram!

The combination of flavors in my recipe for lamb chops is one I really love. Delicious, tender meat mingles with the not-so-secret marinade, which is made with fresh rosemary and thyme, along with a good amount of garlic for a lovely, robust aroma.

The olive oil truly allows this dish to shine. The lamb has such a rich flavor profile, and all that you taste here—gorgeous sear included—is pure lamb.

Indeed, a “zesty brightness,” as the recipe notes, comes from lemon juice and zest.

Ingredients

Lamb Chops:
Lamb is tasty and succulent and possesses a robust flavor.

It is an excellent source of protein and iron, two nutrients essential for health.

Olive Oil:
A fat that’s good for heart health, boosts flavor, and helps with cooking.

Garlic:
Imparts a strong, odorous depth with great immune enhancement capabilities.

Fresh Rosemary:
Delivers an aroma that is reminiscent of wood, even pine, and which elevates the flavor.

Fresh Thyme:
Thyme offers a delicate intricacy that is both earthy and minty.

Lemon:
Provides lively citrus brightness and natural softening acidity.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 lamb chops, about 1-inch thick
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine into a flavorful marinade.

2. Put the lamb chops in a large shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Add the marinade and ensure it is in good amounts all over the chops; they need to be well covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, to allow the flavor to penetrate the meat.

3. Take the lamb chops out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature, about 20 minutes, before cooking.

4. Set your grill or a heavy skillet on medium-high heat to warm up. A grill pan needs a light coat of oil to keep the food from sticking and to create a nice sear on the outside.

5. When the grill or skillet is hot, lay the lamb chops on it. For medium-rare, cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or adjust the timing to your desired doneness.

6. You can brush the chops with balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor, if you want to.

7. When the lamb chops are completely cooked, take them off the grill or out of the skillet and allow them to rest for approximately 5 minutes.

8. While the chops are resting, you can retain their heat by lightly tenting them with foil.

9. Present the lamb chops on a serving platter, adorned with additional fresh herbs if you wish.

10. Relish the deliciously cooked lamb chops alongside the side dishes you enjoy most.

Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Spoon or whisk (for mixing)
3. Large shallow dish or zip-top bag
4. Grill or heavy skillet
5. Grill pan (optional)
6. Tongs (for flipping lamb chops)
7. Aluminum foil (for tenting)
8. Serving platter

FAQ

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?You can use dried herbs, but you should use half the quantity because the flavor of dried herbs is more intense than that of fresh herbs.
• What is the best way to cook lamb chops?Whether you have a grill, a stovetop, or an oven, you can prepare lamb chops to your liking. They are versatile and not fussy; you can employ any of three classic techniques to cook them.
• How long should I marinate the lamb chops?The lamb chops should be marinated for 30 minutes at a minimum to achieve the best flavor. For optimum results, though, let the chops soak up the marinade for as long as 4 hours; this can be done in the refrigerator.
• Can I prepare lamb chops in advance?Certainly! Lamb chops can be marinated a day ahead of time and held in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.
• Is balsamic vinegar necessary in this recipe?No, balsamic vinegar is not a requirement. It imparts a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor, but the recipe is also very yummy without it.
• What internal temperature should lamb chops reach when cooked?The internal temperature of lamb chops should hit 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, which is best for tenderness and flavor.
• Can I substitute lemon juice with lime juice?Certainly, lime juice can stand in place of lemon juice, though it will change the flavor a bit. Lime gives a more vibrant taste when compared to lemon.

Substitutions and Variations

To replace olive oil, use avocado or grapeseed oil, which will provide a similar richness.
If fresh rosemary isn’t available, use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead.
To use thyme that is not fresh: Substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or oregano for a slightly different flavor.
For lemon zest and juice: Replace with lime zest and juice for a different citrus flavor.
To make balsamic vinegar: Use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different sharp flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Marination Time For deeper flavor penetration, consider marinating the lamb chops for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the herbs and lemon to infuse the meat more thoroughly.

2. Enhanced Sear Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels before cooking. This step helps the chops achieve a better sear, which locks in juices and enhances flavor.

3. Temperature Precision Use a meat thermometer to ensure the perfect doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F (57°C), and let it rest to reach the preferred doneness.

4. Rest Efficiently Allowing the lamb chops to rest for 5-10 minutes not only finishes cooking them evenly but also redistributes the juices, resulting in a juicier chop upon serving.

5. Flavor Boost Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade for an additional layer of flavor that complements the existing ingredients.