How to Make the Perfect Grilled Lamb Chops with Herb Crust
Mediterranean · Medium · 27 min · 4 servings
These grilled lamb chops feature a fragrant herb crust of rosemary, thyme, and garlic that chars slightly on the grill to create an intensely savory crust around a rosy pink interior. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make an elegant yet approachable dinner for any occasion.
Why this recipe works
This Grilled Lamb Chops with Herb Crust recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 27 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 pieces frenched lamb rib chops about 1 inch thick
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper mixed
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Lamb Chops
Combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and the salt and pepper mixture in a shallow dish. Add the lamb chops and turn to coat thoroughly. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to high heat, around 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them with a folded paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to prevent sticking. High heat is essential for achieving a proper sear on thin lamb chops.
Step 3: Grill the Lamb Chops
Place the lamb chops directly over high heat. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, targeting an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not move the chops around excessively as this prevents a proper crust from forming.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Transfer the lamb chops to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle throughout the meat. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of grilled vegetables.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- lamb rib chops → lamb loin chops which are meatier and slightly less expensive
- fresh rosemary → dried herbes de Provence which provide a similar aromatic Mediterranean flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Grilling lamb chops over medium heat instead of high heat which prevents proper searing and dries the meat out before a crust can form
- Cooking lamb chops past medium doneness which makes the meat gamey tasting and unpleasantly dry
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 34g protein, 3g carbs, 26g fat, 1g fiber.
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