Picture this: a sizzling grill, the smell of charcoal dancing in the summer air, and oh, those lamb chops—tender and juicy, almost like they’ve been marinated in sunshine. After a long week, there’s something primal, almost poetic, about gathering friends for a BBQ—everyone laughing and chatting as the sun dips below the horizon.
Steps
- Mix together minced garlic, chopped rosemary, kosher salt, ground black pepper, lemon zest, and olive oil in a measuring cup to create the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the lamb chops, ensuring they are fully coated by flipping them over. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the lamb chops for 7-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees F, indicating medium doneness.
- Remove the lamb chops from the grill and place them on a plate. Cover them with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lamb loin or rib chops, thick cut
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
FAQ
- What flavors complement lamb best?
- Lamb pairs well with garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, savory, lemon, fennel, mustard, and mint. Using any combination of these can enhance the unique flavor of lamb.
- Which lamb cuts are ideal for grilling?
- The best cuts for grilling are loin, rib, or sirloin chops. If you have shoulder or leg chops, a marinade is necessary to tenderize them. Look for chops with light pink/red, finely textured meat and smooth, white fat.
- How should I grill lamb chops for optimal flavor?
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the lamb chops for 7-10 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 135°F for medium doneness. Avoid overcooking to prevent drying out the meat.
- Can I bake the lamb chops instead of grilling them?
- Yes, lamb chops can be cooked in the oven. For best results, sear them first on the stovetop, then finish cooking them in the oven at 350°F until they reach the desired doneness.
- What sides pair well with grilled lamb chops?
- Grilled lamb chops go well with dishes like Spring Orzo Salad with Asparagus and Peas, Arroz Amarillo (Spanish Yellow Rice), Mustard Roasted Potatoes, or Cream of Asparagus Soup.
Tips
- Marinate for Optimal Flavor: Allowing the lamb chops to marinate for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, will enhance the flavors. The longer marination time allows the garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest to fully infuse into the meat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked lamb chops, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 135°F, which indicates medium doneness. Overcooked lamb can become dry and less flavorful.
- Rest Before Serving: After grilling, let the lamb chops rest under foil for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy.
- Experiment with Citrus Alternatives: If you don’t have lemon zest, try using orange zest or a splash of lemon juice in the marinade. These alternatives can provide a slight variation in flavor while still complementing the lamb beautifully.
Equipment
- Grill: If you don’t already have an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan for grilling the lamb chops.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the lamb chops reach the perfect internal temperature of 135 degrees F.
- Cast Iron Skillet: If you plan to cook the lamb chops on the stovetop instead of grilling.
- Mortar and Pestle: Useful for crushing garlic and rosemary to make the marinade, although this is optional if you prefer to chop by hand.
