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Get ready to fire up the grill and prepare the most delicious, tender Grilled Lamb Chops you’ve ever had! Marinated in an awesome blend of olive oil, fresh lemon, garlic, and mint, these grilled lamb chops are flavor-packed. The combination of savory and zesty flavors pair perfectly with the unique flavor of lamb. Whether you’re planning a weekend BBQ, or simply want a special meal for the family, this straightforward grilled chops recipe has you covered.
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this simple grilled lamb chops recipe
- Ingredients to make grilled lamb chops
- How to make grilled lamb chops
- Tips for making the best grilled lamb chops
- Popular substitutions & additions
- What to serve with grilled lamb chops
- How to store & reheat grilled lamb chops
- Frequently asked questions
- More grilled entree recipes:
- Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe
Lamb chops are considered premium meat due to their tenderness, rich flavor, and elegant presentation and are commonly considered mostly for fine dining. So I know many home cooks feel intimidated by the idea of making lamb chops at home. If that’s you, don’t worry, because cooking lamb chops is easier than you think – especially when your grill takes care of the cooking. Plus, lamb chops are less time-consuming to make than a traditional roasted leg of lamb. With just a few simple steps, you can make the best grilled lamb chops that are perfectly charred on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside.
Why you’ll love this simple grilled lamb chops recipe
- Quick and easy. This recipe is straightforward and simple to follow, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners. From marinating to grilling, each step is a breeze. Plus, lamb cooks relatively quickly on the outdoor grill, and when paired with a side of grilled veggies, you can have dinner in no time.
- Versatile: These lamb chops pair well with a variety of side dishes, whether you prefer a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes grilled indoors or outdoors.
- Tender and delicious. The citrus-mint marinade penetrates the meat, infusing all sorts of delicious flavors. And then the high heat helps to get that smoky char while still keeping these chops nice and juicy. In the end, each bite is irresistibly tender and delicious!
Ingredients to make grilled lamb chops
- Lamb chops: A single rack of lamb typically has about 8 chops or ribs. Making double-cut chops means that each piece will contain two chops or two bones. This thicker cut helps prevent overcooking and ensures the lamb chops stay juicy. If you want to do double-cut as shown in the photos, you’ll need two racks for this recipe.
- Olive oil: Oil is used as part of the marinade, helping the seasonings coat the lamb better. It also helps prevent the meat from sticking to the grill grates and creates a beautifully browned crust.
- Lemon: The zest and juice of lemon add a bright and refreshing citrus flavor, cutting through the richness of the meat.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a savory flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients well.
- Mint: Fresh mint pairs well with lamb chops, because it adds an herby and refreshing flavor to this rich-flavored meat.
- Salt and pepper: To balance the overall flavors.
How to make grilled lamb chops
- In a large, shallow glass dish, stir together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, mint leaves, and salt and pepper.
- Add lamb chops and turn to coat in the marinade. Cover and let marinate at room temperature.
- When ready to cook, place the lamb chops directly on a preheated grill. Cook on one side until browned.
- Flip the lamb chops and cook the other side until cooked to your desired doneness.
Tips for making the best grilled lamb chops
- Use frenched racks of lamb for a cleaner presentation. This simply means that the bones extending out of the meat are trimmed and cleaned of any membrane. But not to worry if your lamb chops have a membrane on them – they are still safe to eat; they just won’t be as visually appealing.
- Start with dry lamb chops. Pat dry the lamb chops with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before coating them with the marinade. This will help the chops sear better and you’ll get a nicely browned crust.
- Use a meat thermometer. An instant-read meat thermometer is the best way to test for doneness in grilled lamb chops. Insert it into the thickest part of the lamb chop, avoiding the bone, and when the temperature reads 135˚F, take the lamb chops off the heat.
- Rest the meat. Don’t skip this step! After removing from the grill, let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes. They will continue to cook using leftover heat. Resting the meat also allows the juices to be redistributed into the meat, creating very tender and juicy lamb chops.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Make single-cut chops. This will get you more chops which is a great option when you’re serving guests. Single chops will cook quicker since they are thinner; therefore, keep a close eye on them not to overcook them, and keep that meat thermometer nearby.
- Herb crust. Make an herb crust by combining finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, mint, and thyme and pressing this mixture onto the lamb chops for an added layer of flavor.
- Spices and seasonings. Try a simple blend of salt and pepper or experiment with Lebanese 7-spice or lemon pepper seasoning for a unique flavor profile.
- Use different citrus. Swap out the lemon for lime or even orange for a different burst of flavor.
What to serve with grilled lamb chops
- Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
- Grilled Baked Potato
- Fresh Grilled Green Beans
- Parmesan Crusted Brussel Sprouts
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
How to store & reheat grilled lamb chops
Transfer leftover grilled lamb chops to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. To reheat these simple grilled lamb chops, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out and warm them in a preheated oven at 350˚F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
How long will grilled lamb chops last in the fridge?
Grilled lamb chops can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can i freeze grilled lamb chops?
Yes! Make sure the lamb chops are completely cooled first. Next, wrap each grilled lamb chop individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat per the instructions above.
Frequently asked questions
Generally, you want to marinate the lamb chops for at least 1-2 hours. However, if your marinade is very acidic, avoid marinating the lamb for too long to prevent the meat from becoming overly tenderized.
To get that beautiful browned crust on your meat, make sure you add lamb chops to a hot grill and sear them without touching them. Once you see a caramelized crust, it should release easily, and you can flip them to cook the other side. This is called a Maillard reaction, which is a chemical reaction that occurs when heat is applied to meat, resulting in browning. This helps create a rich flavor and a mouthwatering visual appeal.
Yes, you can make these simple grilled lamb chops inside over the stovetop using a cast iron grill pan. Preheat the grill pan for a few minutes over medium-high heat. Add the lamb chops and cook until browned on one side. Flip and cook the other side until cooked to the desired doneness. Remove from pan and rest for a few minutes.
This is a matter of personal preference and comfort levels. According to US Government, 145˚F is considered a safe temperature. But many grill masters would consider the meat to be overdone with a tough and chewy texture at this point. Generally, rare is considered to be 120-125°F, medium-rare 125-130°F, and medium-well 140-145°F.
Change up your grilling this summer with this mouthwatering grilled lamb chops recipe. You’ll be impressed that a light marinade can create such juicy and irresistible lamb chops. Follow my simple recipe, and I think you’ll realize that grilling lamb chops is easy and satisfying.
More grilled entree recipes:
- Juicy Grilled Steak
- Grilled Cod
- Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Chicken and Veggie Kabobs
- Lamb Burger
- Grilled Harissa Chicken
- Grilled Salmon
- Grilled Mahi Mahi
- Barbeque Grilled Shrimp
- Grilled Chicken Tenders
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Grilled Lamb Chops
Ingredients
- 8 lamb chops
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ lemon zested and juiced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large, shallow glass dish, stir together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, mint, salt, and pepper. Add lamb chops and turn to coat in the marinade. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for one hour.
- When ready to cook, preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). Place the lamb chops directly on the grill and discard any remaining marinade
- Cook on one side for 3 minutes, flip and cook on the other side for 3-5 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 135°F.
- Remove chops from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with any side dishes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
