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Growing up, Grilled Lamb Chops were one of my favourite meals. Grilled Lamb Chops are an exciting and easy meal option. Lamb chops add an element of finesse and elegance to your cooking.
Most people assume that Lamb has a gamy taste and smell. However, it is delicious when cooked correctly and sourced from the right places. Lamb from New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa has no scent. 😉 Did you know this protein is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world?
Lamb chops, Butter, Salt, Pepper, Grill pan, cast iron pan, or non-stick pan.
If possible, choose organic, grass-fed lamb chops. They have a richer flavor and firmer texture, and the natural marbling tastes incredible. Grass-fed Lamb also has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The highest-quality Lamb comes from Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Brazil, and South Africa. Due to their lush pastures and farming regulations, Australian and New Zealand lambs have a slightly sweet flavor.
Greek Lamb thrives in the rugged terrains of their luscious mountains. It is not widely available, but it has an earthy flavor and is considered one of the best lamb meats in the world. South African Lamb from the Karoo region is imbued with the natural flavors of the landscape. As the Karoo is close to the sea, the coastal climate makes the meat succulent and juicy.
Butter adds an unmistakable flavor to the natural taste of the Lamb. When butter is melted, it creates a golden and nutty glaze that enhances the depth of the meat. The added herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, also considerably enhance flavor.
The minimalist use of spices such as salt and pepper allows the natural flavours of the Lamb to shine. For a fancier experience, consider using coarse sea salt and cracked white pepper. The correct utensils are crucial in creating excellent results. The top choices include a grill pan, which produces those incredible sear marks and mimics the outdoor grilling process. Cast iron or non-stick pans are also tools that will preserve the taste of the lamb chops.
Grill the Lamb Chops: Thoroughly wash the lamb chops under running water. Once cleaned, pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Drying the lamb chops will ensure that they develop a perfect sear. Next, heat the grill pan on medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add a generous dollop of butter, allowing it to melt; lift the pan to coat the surface. The butter will prevent the lamb chop from sticking to the surface. It will also add a nutty flavor to the lamb meat.
Place the lamb chops on the grill pan, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle salt and black pepper on the top side of the chops. The Lamb will start to sizzle and develop a beautiful brown crust on the exterior of the chops.
After three to four minutes, flip the lamb chops using tongs. Make sure to do so gently. Once flipped, season the other side with salt and pepper. Let the other side of the lamb chop cook for three to four minutes.
Rest the meat: After grilling the lamb chops, remove them and place them on a plate. Cover with foil or a microwave lid and let them rest for three minutes. This step will ensure that the juices remain intact within the lamb chops. Serve immediately with your favourite sauce or side dishes.
Consider Baba Ghanoush. The smoky eggplant’s flavours are phenomenal with lamb. Hummus is also a great side dish. A tangy option would be marinated olives.
We also recommend you give bulgur salad a whirl when making this recipe. It’s a wonderful side dish that can help satiate you for longer. Another favourite to pair with lamb chops is Chimichurri sauce, a South American sauce made with parsley, vinegar, oil, and garlic.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you choose to freeze the lamb chops, simply remove them from the freezer and thaw on the countertop. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
If your lamb have a thickness of 1 inch. These are the times and levels of doneness. Set the temperature to medium high heat.
Doneness | Color Profile | Finger Test Temperature | Cook Time (Per Side) |
---|---|---|---|
🔴 Rare | Deep red, cool center | Cool to warm (very soft touch) | 2–3 minutes |
🟠 Medium Rare | Red center, slightly warm | Warm (soft and springy) | 3–4 minutes |
🟡 Medium | Pink, warm center | Warm (firmer touch) | 4–5 minutes |
🟤 Medium Well | Faint pink center, mostly brown | Warm to hot (slightly firm) | 5–6 minutes |
⚫ Well Done | Fully browned, no pink | Hot (firm and tight) | 6–7 minutes |
When it comes to choosing the right type of lamb chops, choose chops that are the right cut of meat, which is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Rib and lamb chops are popular choices as they have the most tenderness. Marinating lamb chops will infuse flavour into the meat. To add flavor, consider using spices such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, mint, or lemon juice.
The lamb chops need to be at room temperature before grilling it. Adding a lot of butter to the grill pan will develop the flavors. A powerful technique that chefs often use is direct and indirect heat, which can be helpful if you’re dealing with a cooking range that has high heat.
Moving the pan onto a cooler stove plate will help ensure the lamb does not overcook. Also, using higher heat at the beginning is essential to ensure the lamb chops have proper grill marks. Lower the temperature after the grill marks have formed.