Garlic Herb Lamb Chops
Garlic Herb Lamb Chops are a flavorful and tender dish featuring juicy lamb chops marinated in fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. This recipe delivers a perfectly seared, aromatic, and restaurant-quality meal that’s quick to prepare and ideal for special occasions or cozy dinners.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Lamb Chops
- 4 high-quality lamb chops (rib or loin chops with some fat)
Marinade
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant herb marinade that will infuse the lamb chops with delicious flavor.
- Marinate the Lamb Chops: Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel. Rub them evenly with the prepared marinade, ensuring full coverage. Place the lamb chops in a resealable bag or covered dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to maximize tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot. A properly heated pan ensures a beautiful sear and crust on the lamb chops.
- Cook the Lamb Chops: Remove the lamb chops from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place them carefully in the hot pan, cooking undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust cooking times according to chop thickness and preferred doneness level. Avoid overcrowding the pan for optimal searing.
- Rest the Meat: Transfer the cooked lamb chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender when served.
Notes
- Choose rib or loin chops with marbling for the best texture and flavor.
- Use fresh herbs rather than dried to maximize aroma and taste.
- Allow the cooked lamb chops to rest before slicing to maintain juiciness.
- Ensure the pan is hot enough to sear the meat well but not so hot that it burns the garlic.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for your preferred doneness (135°F/57°C for medium-rare).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb chop
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: garlic herb lamb chops, lamb chops recipe, herb marinated lamb, pan-seared lamb, easy lamb recipe, Mediterranean lamb