Garlic Herb Lamb Chops
Garlic Herb Lamb Chops are a quick and easy recipe delivering tender, juicy lamb chops infused with bold garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish balances rich flavors with speedy preparation, using simple pantry ingredients to create a delicious, impressive meal.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat
- Lamb chops (rib or loin) – 8 pieces (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
Marinade
- Fresh garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh rosemary – 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Fresh thyme – 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until well blended to form a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Lamb Chops: Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the meat to coat each chop evenly. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
- Heat Your Pan: Preheat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until hot, preparing it for searing the chops and achieving a golden crust.
- Cook the Lamb Chops: Add the marinated lamb chops to the hot pan without overcrowding. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes, adjusting time based on thickness and preferred doneness to get a perfect sear.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chops to a plate and cover lightly with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy meat before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature meat by letting lamb chops sit out for 20 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
- Don’t over-marinate; too much lemon juice can alter the meat’s texture.
- Pat chops dry before cooking to help form a nice sear, not steam.
- Always rest cooked chops to retain maximum juiciness.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 lamb chops
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: garlic herb lamb chops, quick lamb recipe, pan-seared lamb, garlic lamb chops, easy lamb chops