Herbed Lamb Chops

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Herbed Lamb Chops are a delightful way to bring a touch of elegance to your dinner table without too much hassle. With fresh herbs and a zesty lemon twist, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Ingredients for Herbed Lamb Chops

The star of this dish is, of course, the lamb chops. Opt for chops that are about an inch thick for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. Olive oil serves as the base of your marinade, helping to infuse the lamb with moisture and richness. Fresh herbs like rosemary and mint add a fragrant, earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with lamb. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors. Garlic adds a punch of savory goodness, while lemon zest and juice provide a bright, tangy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the lamb chops come to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without guesswork.
  • For a more intense flavor, let the lamb marinate for up to an hour in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

These lamb chops pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. A light, minty yogurt sauce can also complement the dish nicely. For a more robust meal, serve with garlic mashed potatoes or a warm couscous salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I know when the lamb chops are done?
Use a meat thermometer: 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium.
Can I grill the lamb chops instead?
Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

Herbed Lamb Chops Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure a nice, even temperature for roasting. While the oven heats, prepare your marinade. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chopped rosemary, mint, salt, pepper, minced garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Mix these ingredients well to create a flavorful paste.

Next, lay out your lamb chops on a clean surface and rub the marinade generously over each one. Make sure they’re well coated on all sides. This is where all those lovely flavors start to work their magic.

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, sear the lamb chops for about 2 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice brown crust to develop, which will add depth of flavor.

Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Roast the lamb chops for 6-8 minutes, depending on how you like your meat cooked. For medium-rare, aim for about 6 minutes.

Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the lamb chops rest for 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier, more flavorful bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Packed with fresh, aromatic flavors from rosemary and mint.
  • Uses a simple marinade that enhances the natural taste of lamb.
  • Impressive presentation with minimal effort.

Ingredients

8 lamb chops, about 1 inch thick
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 lemons, zested and juiced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, rosemary, mint, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
3. Rub the marinade generously over each lamb chop, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the lamb chops for 2 minutes on each side until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 6-8 minutes, depending on the desired doneness.
6. Remove from the oven and let the lamb chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!