Ah, now we’re talking 😋—herb lamb chops are tender, juicy, and bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner. Here’s a simple, foolproof recipe:
Herb Lamb Chops
Ingredients (serves 2–4)
- 8 lamb chops (rib or loin, about 1 inch thick)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the Lamb
- Pat lamb chops dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest.
- Rub mixture all over the lamb chops. Let rest at room temperature 15–20 minutes.
- Cook the Lamb
Pan-Seared Method:- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear lamb chops 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 135°F / 57°C), 4–5 minutes for medium.
- Remove from skillet and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Oven-Baked Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sear chops 2–3 minutes per side in an oven-safe skillet, then transfer to oven and bake 5–8 minutes until desired doneness.
- Serve
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh herb salad. Drizzle pan juices over chops.
Tips & Variations
- Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate lamb in herb mixture for 2–4 hours or overnight.
- Garlic butter finish: Top cooked chops with a pat of garlic-herb butter.
- Grill option: Cook on a hot grill 3–4 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.
- Spice twist: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the rub for a warm, earthy note.
If you want, I can also give a Mediterranean-style herb lamb chops recipe with lemon, oregano, and a garlic yogurt sauce that’s incredible for dinner parties 😏
Do you want me to do that?