During the springtime, lamb chops have become a go-to dish for us. We've tried different ways of cooking lamb and have enjoyed them all! Recently, we tried marinating lamb in yogurt, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
The lamb turned out to be very tender after marinating for three hours, making it easy to cut without a knife. However, I had to leave the kitchen because Amy was trying to take pictures of the lamb chops for this recipe. She asked me to pick one up for the photo, but I couldn't resist taking a bite. I don't even think you need utensils to eat it! Amy then asked me and my lamb chop to leave the kitchen. I was happy because I had my chop, a glass of wine, and a good TV show!
Key steps for making the lamb chops
You can effortlessly wow your guests with this dish, without having to dedicate hours to its preparation. Lamb chops can be cooked to your liking, whether you prefer them rare or well done, yielding a delectable dish that's sure to satisfy everyone.
To create this delicious marinade for lamb chops, simply mix together some yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. If you're looking for a bolder flavor, feel free to add some habanero. This tasty ingredient adds a delightful blend of sweetness and spiciness that perfectly complements the other seasonings. However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can skip the habanero without compromising the dish's overall flavor.
How do I cut a rack of lamb?
If you're feeling intimidated by the idea of cutting a rack of lamb to make lamb chops, don't worry - it's actually a fairly simple process. Begin by placing the rack on its bottom and cutting in between the bones. While a sharp knife can certainly make this task easier, I was able to do it successfully with dull knives. Don't let a lack of confidence hold you back - give it a try! 😀
When preparing lamb chops, begin by adding fresh lemon juice to both sides. Then, generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and granulated garlic on each side.
To achieve perfectly marinated lamb chops, grab a container that can be refrigerated. Apply a generous amount of spiced yogurt onto the lamb chops and allow them to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for optimal results. In our experience, a 3-hour marinade is a sweet spot. This tried-and-tested technique is guaranteed to tenderize the meat, resulting in lamb chops that are incredibly tender and tasty.
Before cooking the lamb chops, remove them from the fridge at least 30 minutes in advance. Use a table knife or paper towel to wipe away most of the marinade, as this will prevent the yogurt mixture from burning in the pan while cooking. It's important to achieve a good sear, and excessive marinade can lead to burning before the chops are fully cooked.
Cooking the lamb chops
To prepare the lamb chops, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large saute pan. Using roughly 2 tablespoons of oil is best for fewer calories in the recipe, but feel free to add more if desired. Cook the lamb chops for 2 to 3 minutes on each side to achieve medium doneness. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the lamb is cooked to your liking. If you need to keep the cooked chops warm while preparing the rest, place them in a 200-degree oven.
Temperatures for Lamb
- Rare - 115 - 120F
- Medium rare - 125F
- Medium - 130F
- Medium well - 145F
- Well done - 150F
How to serve
These lamb chops can be enjoyed with rice, risotto, or your preferred type of potatoes. Add a burst of flavor by sprinkling finely chopped cilantro on top. If cilantro isn't your thing, feel free to swap it with parsley, green onions, or chives. To make it an even more delightful meal, serve it with a side of Tzatziki sauce.
Looking for something else? You might also enjoy these recipes:
- Herb-Crusted Lamb with Lemon Garlic Sauce - This recipe is so bright and zesty, and the lemon is perfect with the herbs on the lamb.
- Easy Spicy Lamb Kabobs - The "spicy" is entirely customizable to your taste preference.
- Spicy Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops - Same with this recipe; you can easily adjust the spice level.
- Easy Pan Fried Garlic Pork Chops -One Pan, No Problem!
- Italian Sausage Sandwich with Peppers and Onions - A delicious classic hot Italian sausage sandwich with peppers and onions for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Best served on a bun.
Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Marinade
A Few Things We Use
Ingredients
Lamb Chop
- 2 Pounds Lamb Chops
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Minced garlic or garlic powder
- ½ Lemon
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Cilantro Chopped
Spiced Yogurt
- 1 ½ Cups Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 1 teaspoon Curry Powder
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic or Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ Tablespoon Habanero Chopped (Optional) Only add if you want it spicy
- ½ Lemon
Instructions
Spiced Yogurt Marinade
- Mix together yogurt, the juice of half a lemon, and spices, and then set the mixture aside.1 ½ Cups Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt, 1 teaspoon Cumin, 1 teaspoon Turmeric, 1 teaspoon Garam Masala, 1 teaspoon Curry Powder, 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic or Garlic Powder, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon Paprika, ½ Tablespoon Habanero, ½ Lemon
Lamb
- Separate the rack of lamb into individual chops.2 Pounds Lamb Chops
- To add some tangy flavor, squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the lamb chops.½ Lemon
- To prepare the lamb chops, sprinkle salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder (granulated garlic is our preference) onto them.1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Black pepper, 1 teaspoon Minced garlic or garlic powder
Marinate Lamb
- First, take the lamb chops and spread the spiced yogurt mixture over them. Then, place them in a dish or a Ziploc storage bag.
- Marinate the lamb (covered or in a ziploc storage bag) in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to overnight.
- To remove most of the marinade, you can use a knife or a paper towel. It's not necessary to remove every last bit of it.
- To prepare your lamb chops, heat some olive oil in a saute pan and add the chops. Cook them on each side until they reach your desired level of doneness. We recommend cooking for 3 minutes on each side, but you can use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your liking.2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Once finished, remove it from the heat.
- Garnish with finely chopped cilantro or parsley.1 Cup Cilantro
- This dish can be paired with either rice or potatoes for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!!!
Cookie says
So yummy! I love this recipe
Todd Jeffrey says
Used this recipe and the chops ( after a 30 hour marinade ) were amazing , I’ve actually made some more today which I’ll enjoy tomorrow 🙂