Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe

Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together the succulent flavors of lamb with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe showcases how easy it is to create a gourmet meal in just under 75 minutes. The standout feature is the delicious two-ingredient pan sauce that elevates the dish, making it irresistible to anyone who tries it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can serve an impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, herbs, and subtle heat from Tabasco creates a complex flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, these lamb chops fit perfectly into any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown crust on the lamb chops makes for an eye-catching presentation that will impress your guests.
• Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it both convenient and economical.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools will not only ease the cooking process but also enhance your overall experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Heavy skillet or frying pan
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Press or knife for garlic

Why These Tools Matter

• Heavy skillet or frying pan: A sturdy pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect sear on the lamb chops.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping the lamb chops without piercing them, ensuring they retain their juices.
• Meat thermometer: Helps check doneness accurately so your lamb chops are cooked to perfection every time.
• Press or knife for garlic: Makes preparing garlic effortless, ensuring you get maximum flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

These lamb chops are seared, forming a browned crust of garlic and herbs and wait till you try the easy 2-ingredient pan sauce which will completely win you over!

For the Lamb Chops

• 2 lbs lamb rib chops (8 count, cut from a rack of Frenched lamb ribs)
• 5 plump garlic cloves (pressed)
• 4 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (plus more for garnish or use 2 tsp dried parsley)
• 2 tsp Tabasco original red pepper sauce
• 1 tsp fine sea salt (we used sea salt)
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

For the Pan Sauce

• 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)

Servings: 4 people, with 2 lamb chops per serving
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keywords: how to cook lamb chops, lamb chops, pan seared lamb chops
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 570 kcal, Carbs: 2 g, Protein: 46 g, Fat: 41 g, Saturated Fat: 13 g, Cholesterol: 165 mg, Sodium: 809 mg, Fiber: 0.3 g, Sugar: 0.1 g

How to Make Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine pressed garlic cloves, olive oil (reserve some for cooking), parsley, Tabasco sauce, sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Lamb Chops

Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them and ensure each chop is well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the fridge.

Step 3: Preheat the Skillet

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of reserved olive oil once hot.

Step 4: Sear the Lamb Chops

Carefully place marinated lamb chops into the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Use tongs to flip them gently.

Step 5: Check Doneness

For medium-rare doneness, use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; it should read around 145°F (63°C). Adjust cooking time as needed based on desired doneness.

Step 6: Make the Pan Sauce

Once cooked to your liking, remove the lamb chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate. In the same skillet over medium heat, add chicken stock while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in softened butter until melted.

Step 7: Serve

Plate your beautiful Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops with drizzled pan sauce over them. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe

Serving garlic and herb crusted lamb chops is an opportunity to impress your guests with a delicious and visually appealing presentation. Whether for a special occasion or a family dinner, consider these serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the savory flavors of the lamb.

Add Flavorful Sauces

• Mint Yogurt Sauce: A cool mint yogurt sauce can enhance the lamb’s richness while adding a refreshing twist.
• Chimichurri Sauce: This zesty sauce made with parsley, garlic, and olive oil brings brightness to the hearty lamb chops.

Complement with Grains

• Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa cooked with herbs adds texture and pairs well with the savory chops.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side dish.

How to Perfect Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe

To achieve the best results with your garlic and herb crusted lamb chops, keep these tips in mind for perfecting your dish.

• Bold seasoning: Generously season your lamb chops before cooking to ensure every bite is flavorful.
• High heat searing: Start with high heat when searing the chops to create that desirable crust.
• Resting time: Allow the lamb chops to rest after cooking; this helps retain their juices for a more tender bite.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried ones; consider using them where possible.
• Monitor cooking time: Overcooking can lead to dry meat; use a meat thermometer for precision.
• Pan sauces are key: Don’t skip the pan sauce; it adds moisture and depth of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your garlic and herb crusted lamb chops meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings out their natural sweetness.
2. Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous tossed with herbs makes for a bright, flavorful side.
3. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes baked until tender offer a sweet contrast to savory lamb.
4. Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices from the lamb.
5. Creamy Polenta: Silky polenta pairs wonderfully with rich meats, providing a comforting base.
6. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds color and freshness to the plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing lamb chops, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the lamb chops properly can lead to bland flavor. Always make sure to generously season your meat before cooking.
• Bold overcooking: Overcooking can dry out the lamb chops. Keep a close eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer for precision.
• Bold neglecting rest time: It’s crucial to let the lamb chops rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.
• Bold skipping the pan sauce: The two-ingredient pan sauce is key to elevating flavors. Don’t skip this step; it complements the dish beautifully.
• Bold using cold meat: Cooking cold lamb chops straight from the fridge can lead to uneven cooking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before searing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked lamb chops in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing them tightly.

Freezing Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe

• Place cooled lamb chops in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label each bag with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place lamb chops on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use medium heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, flipping halfway through until heated but not overcooked.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of chicken stock. Heat the lamb chops for about 5 minutes on each side until warmed through and moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe special?

This recipe stands out due to its simple yet flavorful garlic and herb crust that enhances the natural taste of lamb, creating a deliciously aromatic dish.

Can I use other meats in this Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute lamb with chicken, beef, or turkey, adjusting cooking times as necessary based on thickness.

How do I know when my lamb chops are done?

The ideal internal temperature for lamb is 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. A meat thermometer is your best tool for checking doneness accurately.

Can I prepare Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chops in advance, letting them absorb all those flavors before cooking them right before serving.

Conclusion

This Garlic and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops Recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these succulent lamb chops will impress everyone at your table. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or spices!