Growing up Serbian, lamb on the spit fire was a cherished tradition. The aroma of grilling lamb would fill the air, bringing back fond memories of family gatherings and delicious meals. This Grilled Lamb Chops recipe captures that nostalgic flavor, bringing a taste of my childhood to your table.
Why You Should Make Grilled Lamb Chops
- Delicious Flavor: Perfectly seasoned and marinated for maximum taste.
- Versatile: This easy lamb recipe pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes.
- Healthy Option: Lamb is a protein-rich dish with fresh herbs and lemon.
What Does Lamb Taste Like?
Lamb has a distinct flavor that is often described as rich, savory, and slightly gamey. The taste can vary depending on the cut and preparation, with some cuts being more tender and mild, while others have a stronger, more pronounced flavor.
The meat is typically tender and juicy, especially when cooked properly. The gamey taste is more pronounced in older lambs (mutton), and is less noticeable in younger, milder lamb cuts.
Do You Have to Marinate the Lamb Chops?
Marinating lamb is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended. Marinating can enhance the flavor, tenderize the meat and add moisture, resulting in a more delicious and juicy final dish.
If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute marinade can make a noticeable difference. Alternatively, marinating overnight can save time the next day, while ensuring the lamb is fully infused with flavor.
How to Cut Lamb Chops from a Rack
- Place the lamb rack on a cutting board with the fat side facing up. Trim any excess fat, if desired.
- Feel along the top of the lamb rack to locate the bones. You’ll notice the ribs running down the length of the rack.
- Identify the gaps between each rib bone. These are where you’ll make your cuts.
- With a sharp knife, carefully cut between the bones, following the natural lines. Start at one end of the rack and work your way to the other end.
- Ensure your cuts are straight and even to create uniform chops. If needed, trim any remaining fat or sinew from each chop.
- Continue cutting until all chops are separated from the rack.
How to Make Grilled Lamb Chops
- Cut the lamb rack into chops.
- Add to a bowl, along with the marinade ingredients. Toss to coat and marinate for 30-45 minutes (or longer in the fridge).
- Preheat grill to 425°-450°.
- Sear chops for about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Add to a serving platter and give a squeeze lemon juice.
For the best texture and flavor, many chefs recommend serving lamb at medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking and allow the lamb to rest for a few minutes after grilling to redistribute the juices.
The best internal temperature for serving lamb depends on your preferred level of doneness:
- Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C) – The lamb will be pink and slightly juicy in the center. This is often recommended for tender cuts like lamb chops.
- Medium: 145°F (63°C) – The lamb will be mostly pink but slightly firmer and less juicy.
- Medium-Well: 155°F (68°C) – The lamb will have a slight pink center but will be mostly cooked through.
- Well-Done: 160°F (71°C) – The lamb will be fully cooked with no pink remaining.
Alternative to Grilling
Heat a large cast iron or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a high-heat cooking oil and allow to shimmer. Place the chops, without overcrowding the pan. Sear for about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Serving and Storing Leftover Lamb Chops
Serving
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Accompany with lemon wedges and whole green onions.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, a light salad or homemade pita bread.
- Serve with:
Storing Leftovers
- Place leftover lamb chops in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or stovetop, at a low temperature, to avoid drying out.
More Lamb Recipes to Love
- Ground Lamb Cabbage Rolls
- Lamb Meatball Mediterranean Salad
- Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots
- Kofta Kabobs with Labne Tzatziki
Grilled Lamb Chops
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- Author: Charlotte Fashion Plate
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of tender, Grilled Lamb Chops that are marinated in loads of garlic, rosemary, olive oil and lemon juice.
Ingredients
- 1 rack lamb
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 to 10 garlic cloves
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- 5–6 whole green onions (for serving)
Instructions
- Carefully cut the lamb rack into individual chops using a sharp knife (trim the fat, if desired).
- Add to a large bowl with the garlic.
- Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in the rosemary and extracted lemons.
- Toss to fully coat the chops and allow to marinate either on the counter for 30 to 45 minutes, or longer in the fridge (if placing in the fridge, remove about 30 to 45 minutes prior to grilling).
- Heat the grill to 425°-450°. Optionally, spray the grill with non-stick spray.
- Place the chops. Sear on each side for just about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Optionally, char a few lemon halves and the garlic, for serving.
- Squeeze a touch of lemon over the chops.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and whole green onions.
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♬ Walking Around – Instrumental Version – Eldar Kedem
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to cut the rack into individual chops for clean, precise cuts.
- Each rack should produce approximately 8 chops. Consider one rack will feed two adults and a child.
- Marinate the lamb chops for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or longer in the fridge to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat the grill to 425°-450° before placing the lamb chops on it for even cooking and a good sear.
- Avoid overcrowding the grill; space the chops evenly to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice sear.
- Grill each side for about 3 minutes for medium-rare; adjust the time for different levels of doneness.
- Let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute and enhance flavor.
- Consider charring lemon halves and garlic on the grill alongside the chops for added flavor.
- If you do not have access to a grill, easily sear the lamb chops on the stovetop using a grill pan or cast iron pan.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
GET TO KNOW ME!
WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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