Grilled Lamb Chops

Name: Grilled Lamb Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 - 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 lb. lamb rib or loin chops; 2 tsp. salt; 1 tsp. ground black pepper; 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano; 1/2 c. plus 2 tbsp. olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 2 tsp. lemon zest; 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice; 2 tsp. honey; 1/4 tsp. red chile flakes; 1 c. chopped mixed olives

They get a kick of flavor from homemade marinade!

By Josh MillerUpdated: Jan 3, 2024

2 Ratings

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the pioneer woman's grilled lamb chops recipe

Will Dickey

Yields:

4 - 6 serving(s)

Prep Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 5 mins

Everybody loves grilled chicken, grilled steak, and grilled pork chops, but what about grilled lamb chops? One bite of these incredibly tender, garlic-and-herb marinated lamb chops will make anyone see the light. Not convinced yet? Keep on reading and get ready to add these grilled lamb chops to your list of must-try grilling recipes!

What's the difference between lamb rib chops and loin chops?

Lamb rib chops look like mini versions of beef ribeye steaks. They're sold with the rib bone attached, and can be "frenched" if desired, which simply means using a knife to scape the bone clean. Rib chops are pricier than lamb loin chops (which are a smidge less tender, but just as flavorful!); they resemble a mini T-bone steak.

What's the secret to grilling lamb?

The best way to grill lamb chops is hot and fast! Sear them on a preheated grill, and use an instant-read meat thermometer to measure for doneness. We recommend pulling the lamb off the grill when it's around 135° for medium. This can take between 6 and 8 minutes total for rib chops, or between 8 and 10 minutes total for loin chops. Whatever you do, don't close the grill; the juicy lamb can cause flare-ups that could lead to scorching if left unattended.

How long can I marinate lamb?

Unlike fish or chicken, lamb can stand up to a strong marinade. This recipe uses garlic, olive oil, lemon, and herbs to impart bold flavor to the lamb. It's perfectly delicious after just an hour, but gets even better with an overnight soak. Don't worry if you only have an hour—this recipe reserves some of the marinade and combines it with chopped olives to make a flavorful topping to serve with it.

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Ingredients

2 lb.
lamb rib or loin chops
2 tsp.
salt
1 tsp.
ground black pepper
1/2 cup
chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp.
chopped fresh oregano
1/2 cup
plus 2 tbsp. olive oil
2
garlic cloves, grated
2 tsp.
lemon zest
1 Tbsp.
fresh lemon juice
2 tsp.
honey
1/4 tsp.
red chile flakes
1 cup
chopped mixed olives

Directions

1. Step 1Add lamb chops to a resealable plastic bag. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
2. Step 2In a medium bowl, stir together parsley, oregano, 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, honey, and chile flakes. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade in a small bowl. Pour the remaining marinade over the lamb. Seal the bag, and gently massage the marinade into the lamb chops. Refrigerate at least one hour or overnight. Add the olives to the remaining unused marinade; stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Step 3Remove the lamb and olive mixture from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling. Meanwhile, pre-heat the grill to medium-high heat, 400° to 450°. Oil the grill grates well. Remove the lamb chops from the marinade and scrape off any excess marinade. Discard the remaining marinade.
4. Step 4Grill the lamb chops uncovered until grill marks appear, 3 to 4 minutes for rib chops, or 4 to 5 minutes for loin chops. Turn the chops, and grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the meat registers 135°, 3 to 4 minutes for rib chops, or 4 to 5 minutes for loin chops. Cover cooked lamb chops with foil, and let rest 5 minutes.
5. Step 5Stir the olive mixture to recombine the ingredients; spoon over the lamb just before serving.

Don't love olives? Stir 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts and 1/4 cup chopped capers together with reserved marinade and remaining olive oil to spoon over the lamb chops.

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