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Tasty NestRecipes

Garlic Rosemary Lamb Chops

Garlic and rosemary marinated lamb loin chops, seared in a hot skillet until browned outside and pink inside. An elegant dinner that takes about 20 minutes.

By Tasty Nest Recipes Editorial TeamPublished

50 min total 8 lamb chopsEasy

Grilled lamb chops with herbs on mixed greens with fresh raspberries

Photo: manguzmo · CC BY 2.0. Illustrative photo; your results may look different.

About this recipe

Lamb chops feel special, yet they are one of the fastest dinners you can make. A short marinade of garlic, rosemary, lemon and olive oil complements lamb's rich flavour without masking it.

A hot pan does the rest: a few minutes per side gives a deep brown crust and a rosy centre. Serve with roasted potatoes, couscous or a herby salad.

Equipment you'll need

  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Tongs

Tips for success

  • Bring the chops out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking so they cook evenly.
  • Cook in two batches if needed; crowding stops them browning.
  • The USDA recommends 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest for whole cuts of lamb; cook to that temperature if you prefer or are serving anyone at higher risk.

Substitutions and variations

  • Use rib chops (lamb cutlets) and reduce the cooking time to 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  • Swap rosemary for thyme, oregano or mint.
  • Grill over medium-high heat instead of pan-searing.

Storage and reheating

To store: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Freezing is possible for up to 3 months, though the texture is best fresh.

To reheat: Reheat briefly in a warm skillet or a 300°F (150°C) oven just until warmed through, to avoid overcooking.

Recipe

Garlic Rosemary Lamb Chops

Garlic and rosemary marinated lamb loin chops, seared in a hot skillet until browned outside and pink inside. An elegant dinner that takes about 20 minutes.

Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Marinate
30 min
Total
50 min
Yield
8 lamb chops
Level
Easy

Ingredients

Tick off ingredients as you gather them.

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Marinate

    Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with the garlic, rosemary and lemon zest and rub it over the chops. Leave at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours.

  2. Step 2: Season

    Just before cooking, season the chops with salt and pepper.

  3. Step 3: Sear the fat

    Heat the remaining oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, hold the chops on their fatty edge for 1 to 2 minutes to render and brown it.

  4. Step 4: Cook

    Lay the chops flat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium.

  5. Step 5: Rest and serve

    Rest for 5 minutes and serve with lemon wedges.

Cuisine: Mediterranean · Course: Dinner

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
360
Protein
30 g
Fat
26 g
Carbs
1 g
Fibre
0 g
Sugars
0 g

Approximate values estimated from typical nutrition data for the listed ingredients, excluding optional toppings and serving suggestions. Actual values vary with brands, portion sizes and substitutions. Not verified by a dietitian or laboratory analysis.

tastynestrecipes.com/recipes/lamb-chops

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