How to Prepare Lamb Chops

Learn how to prepare lamb chops in 18 minutes to make the juiciest, most flavorful meat dinner for your family.

The best part? You don’t even have to marinate the meat to get it right! My best tip is to generously rub the lamb chops with seasonings, and sear them in a hot pan just enough to sear them and finish cooking them by basting.

If you love lamb, here is also one of my favorite lamb recipes: delicious smoked lamb that will be perfect for a family gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Absolutely delicious lamb chop recipe that the whole family will love.
• Universal: a great meal for dinner, but also works perfectly for special occasions.
• Flavorful chops with just a simple seasoning blend and dried herbs.

Ingredients Notes

• Lamb chops. Pick about 1-inch-thick lamb chops (or ask your butcher to cut them for you). You can find lamb at a local grocery store, usually “older” meat smells, while young meat should not have a strong smell. All types work well: rib chops, lamb loin chops (T-bone steaks). Sirloin can be tougher, so if you have it, let the chops sit in the marinade.
• Olive oil for searing.
• Rub: garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper is best for prepping meat.
• Unsalted butter for basting. It should be high-quality as it will really infuse flavor in the lamb chops.
• Garlic cloves – minced fresh garlic cloves, too, for a more pungent flavor.
• Herbs: dried and fresh rosemary and/or dried thyme (optional).

Kitchen Equipment

• Skillet – Cast Iron Skillet
• Meat thermometer

How To Make Lamb Chops In The Cast Iron

1: Season The Lamb Chops

1. Dab the lamb chops with a paper towel to dry – this is very important to make sure the rub sticks!
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika.

2: Sear The Lamb Chops

1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
2. Arrange chops in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness (130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium).
3. Don’t overcook to keep the lamb from getting chewy.

3: Baste The Lamb Chops

1. Add the butter, garlic, and fresh rosemary to the skillet in the final minute of cooking. Be sure to tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the chops, it will help to “roast” the meat for a final touch.
2. Remove the chops from the skillet and place them on a plate. Tent the chops with foil to retain the heat, but let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

What To Serve With Lamb Chops

Flavorful and juicy lamb chops will work amazingly with these side dishes:

• Apple cucumber salad
• Watermelon salad
• Mashed cauliflower
• Potatoes au gratin
• Air fryer carrots
• Roasted Asparagus
• Brussels Sprouts with herbs, honey, and mustard

Storage

Store leftover lamb chops in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. (you can also use a zip lock bag)

Reheat covered in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes per side at 350°F.

You can freeze both raw and cooked lamb chops. Pack them in a freezer bag and store for 3 months.

Substitutions & Variations

• If you love herbs, use fresh mint – mint and lamb pair so well!
• You can make baked lamb chops in the oven (on a baking sheet), too, or over the grill.
• Tenderize the meat with a marinade – use some lemon juice, lemon zest, or vinegar. For grilling, you can also season the lamb chops and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or in the refrigerator overnight.
• Add shallots for more flavor. Chop them up for basting.

Popular Questions

What’s the Best Way to Cook Lamb Chops?

The best way to cook lamb chops is by locking in their natural juices while giving them a nice, flavorful crust. You can achieve this by searing them in a hot pan or grilling them. Both ways, you will get a juicy chop.

What Seasonings Go Best with Lamb?

Lamb chops pair well with rosemary, garlic, and thyme. You can also use a sprinkle of salt and pepper to bring out the natural taste of the lamb. For a hint of spice, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or cumin.

Is it Better to Grill or Pan-Fry Lamb Chops?

Grilling and pan-frying are both excellent ways to cook lamb chops. Grilling gives the lamb chops a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks, which are synonymous with summer BBQs. Pan-frying allows you to easily cook little T-bone steaks and chops anytime of the year and control the cooking temperature better.

How To Clean Lamb Chops?

To clean the lamb chops, simply rinse them under cold running water. Next, pat them dry with a clean paper towel to remove excess moisture. When done, wash your hands and any surfaces raw meat touched.

If you love this easy dinner recipe, you’re going to love these other cast iron skillet recipes. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

Pair With These Great Sides

Salted Honey Parker House Rolls

Air Fryer Carrots

Potatoes Au Gratin

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