Here is how to make tender and delicious Mediterranean style lamb chops with rosemary and garlic. This easy lamb chops recipe features a lamb marinade packed with delicious Mediterranean flavors.
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Looking for the best lamb chops recipe with rosemary and garlic? This post is all about how to make Mediterranean lamb chops.
If you’re all about easy recipes that pack a ton of flavor, then these Mediterranean lamb chops are going to be your new favorite go to, easy lamb recipe. Perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, these lamb chops are tender, juicy, and full of that savory, herby Mediterranean vibe we all love.
Plus, they come together super quickly with just a short marinating time and a quick cook on the grill, stove, or in the oven. These lamb chops are easy to prepare and they make a great weeknight dinner, but they can also serve as a main course for a holiday meal.
Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself to a great meal, this easy lamb chops recipe brings the flavor without tons of fuss.
—In This Post—
- What Are Mediterranean Style Lamb Chops?
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mediterranean Lamb Chops Ingredients
- How to Make Mediterranean Lamb Chops
- Tips for Making the Best Lamb Chops
- How to Keep Lamb Chops Tender and Juicy
- How to Marinate Mediterranean Lamb Chops
- How to Substitute Dried Herbs for Fresh
- What to Serve with Lamb Chops
- Storing Leftover Lamb Chops
- Recipe: Mediterranean Style Lamb Chops
Now, let’s make some amazing Mediterranean lamb chops! This recipe is all about easy, flavorful ingredients and techniques to help keep those lamb chops tender and juicy.
What Are Mediterranean Style Lamb Chops?
Lamb chops are cuts of lamb taken from the ribs or loin area, and they’re usually sold with the bone in. These cuts are tender and full of flavor, especially when cooked correctly.
Because lamb chops are relatively small, they cook quickly, making them ideal for quick, high heat methods like grilling, pan frying, or broiling. The recipe below provides tips on how to cook lamb chops using these three types of cooking methods.
Lamb chops may look fancy, but they are easy to prepare and they are versatile—making a perfect main dish for everything from holiday meals to weeknight dinners.
This lamb chops recipe features a Mediterranean style flavor profile, including herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, with a hint of lemon juice to add brightness. Altogether, the ingredients give the lamb chops a bright and savory taste that is irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe with Mediterranean Marinade for Lamb
Here are some reasons why this Mediterranean style lamb recipe is a winner if you’re looking for the best lamb chops recipe.
- Big flavor with minimal effort. Mediterranean lamb chops give you big flavor with minimal effort. Made with simple ingredients, the Mediterranean lamb marinade brings tons of fresh, savory Mediterranean flavor without a lot of work.
- Quick marinating time. You get great flavor in as little as 30 minutes of marinating time–perfect for when you want an impressive meal fast!
- Versatile cooking. Whether you want to grill, bake, or pan fry, you have options that make it easy to cook these lamb chops in almost any way you like.
- Tender and juicy. Marinating the lamb chops helps to keep the lamb tender and full of flavor.
- Pairs with so many sides. From roasted potatoes to fresh spinach salad, these lamb chops go with just about any side for a meal that’s completely delicious.
Mediterranean Lamb Chops Ingredients
Here are the ingredients that are needed to make this Mediterranean style lamb chops recipe. With just a handful of easy to find ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be bringing the taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen.
- Bone In Lamb Chops (8 chops). Lamb chops are the star of the show! Bone in lamb chops stay juicy and tender, soaking up the delicious flavor of the marinade. Look for chops that are about ¾ to 1 inch thick for the best results. Keep in mind that thicker lamb chops may require a longer cooking time than thinner ones.
- Onion (1 small, finely sliced). The flavor of sliced onion blends into the marinade and gives the lamb a touch of sweetness and depth, balancing the herbs and spices.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced). Fresh garlic is essential for giving the lamb chops delicious Mediterranean flavor! It adds bold, savory depth to the dish and pairs beautifully with the lamb.
- Fresh Rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped). Rosemary’s slightly piney aroma complements lamb perfectly. Fresh rosemary gives the marinade a more vibrant flavor than dried.
- Fresh Thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped). Thyme has a subtle earthiness that works great with lamb and balances other strong flavors in the dish.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped). Parsley’s bright, grassy flavor keeps the marinade fresh tasting, and it adds a pop of green.
- Fresh Mint (2 tablespoons, chopped). Fresh mint adds distinct Mediterranean flavor to the lamb marinade.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon). A classic Mediterranean herb, oregano adds a warm, slightly peppery flavor to the marinade.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¼ cup). Olive oil forms the base of the marinade, helping the herbs and spices stick to the lamb and keeping the meat moist during cooking.
- Balsamic Vinegar (2 tablespoons). Balsamic vinegar adds sweetness to the marinade, with a hint of tartness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons). Honey balances the acidity of the marinade with sweet flavor.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon). Dijon mustard adds flavor, and it helps to bring the ingredients in the marinade together.
- Lemon Juice (Juice of 1 lemon). Lemon juice adds a fresh acidity to the marinade that tenderizes the lamb and brings out the flavors of the herbs.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon). Garlic powder adds an extra layer of garlic flavor that’s more mellow and evenly coats the chops.
- Onion Powder (½ teaspoon). Add a small amount of onion powder for an extra boost of savory flavor that’s a bit more concentrated than fresh onion.
- Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon). Just a pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and a slight sweetness that complements the flavor of lamb chops and herbs.
- Salt and Black Pepper (½ teaspoon each). Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together and enhancing the lamb’s natural flavor.
How to Make Mediterranean Lamb Chops
Let’s break down the steps for making these Mediterranean lamb chops, along with a few tips to help make sure they turn out well every time.
1—Prepare the marinade.
Start by preparing a flavor packed marinade for the lamb chops. In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine sliced onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, mint, and oregano with a good splash of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it forms a thick, aromatic marinade.
2—Marinate the lamb chops.
Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish or a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, making sure each chop is evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the fridge. This gives the chops a chance to absorb all that Mediterranean goodness.
When you’re ready to cook, take the lamb chops out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes—this helps them cook more evenly. Choose your preferred cooking method: grill, oven, or stovetop.
3—Cook the lamb chops.
To grill the lamb chops, heat the grill to medium high heat (about 400°F) and cook the chops for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for a juicy, medium rare finish.
If baking the lamb chops, preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium high and sear the lamb chops for a couple of minutes on each side to enhance their flavor. Then bake the lamb chops for 10 to 12 minutes on a rimmed sheet pan in the oven.
For pan frying the lamb chops, heat a heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add a little olive oil to the skillet, and sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes. Once they’re done, let the chops rest for about 5 minutes to let the juices settle in. Serve them up with your favorite sides and enjoy!
No matter which method you choose to prepare them, be sure to cook the lamb chops to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (medium rare) as measured by an instant read meat temperature. You can also cook the lamb chops a little longer for more doneness. Keep in mind that thicker lamb chops may require a longer cooking time than thinner ones.
Tips for Making the Best Lamb Chops
Here are some tips for making tender Mediterranean lamp chops with delicious flavor. With these simple steps and tips, you’ll be serving up the best Mediterranean lamb chops that are perfectly tender, flavorful, and full of irresistible Mediterranean flavors.
- Marinate the lamb chops. While lamb chops don’t need a long marinating time, try to let them soak for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours is ideal). The acidity in the lemon juice tenderizes the meat without overpowering it, while the herbs add a fresh and savory punch.
- Don’t overcook the lamb chops. Lamb chops are best when cooked to medium rare or medium doneness. High heat and short cooking time are key to keeping lamb chops tender and juicy. Overcooking can make the lamb tough, so aim for about 3 to 4 minutes per side if you like them pink (medium rare) in the middle. Cook the lamb chops to at least a minimum internal temperature of at least 145°F (medium rare) as measured by an instant read meat thermometer.
- Let the lamb chops rest. Resting the lamb chops for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite super tender and flavorful. Let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes before you serve them.
- Use fresh herbs. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint, and parsley bring a lot of vibrant, fresh flavor to the lamb. If you’re in a pinch, dried herbs can work too, but fresh makes a noticeable difference in taste.
- Choose the right lamb chops. For the best flavor, go for bone in rib or loin chops that are about 1 inch thick. They’re naturally tender and juicy, and the bone adds a bit of extra flavor while helping them cook evenly.
How to Keep Lamb Chops Tender and Juicy
For tender lamb chops, cook them to medium rare or medium. Overcooking the lamb chops makes them tougher, so a quick, high heat cooking method (like grilling or pan frying) locks in the juices.
Also, once the lamb chops have finished cooking, let the chops rest for about 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute. Lamb chops should be cooked to a minimum temperature of 145°F (for medium rare) as measured by an instant read thermometer.
How to Marinate Lamb Chops
Marinating the lamb chops is the first thing to do when you want to create a tender and flavorful dish.
A quick marinade with acid (lemon juice), olive oil, and herbs gives lamb chops incredible flavor in just 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Avoid marinating the lamb chops for too long, though, because the acid can start to break down the meat and make it mushy.
How to Substitute Dried Herbs for Fresh Herbs When Making Lamb Chops
Fresh herbs enhance the flavor of Mediterranean lamb chops, but dried herbs can totally work in a pinch. The key is adjusting the amounts that are used, since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
Here’s the rule of thumb: use one-third of the amount of dried herbs for the fresh herbs in the recipe. Dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor, so you’ll need less of them. So if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary or thyme, you’d use about 1 teaspoon of the dried version instead.
For this lamb chop recipe, that means using:
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary instead of 1 tablespoon fresh
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme instead of 1 tablespoon fresh
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley for 2 tablespoons fresh (since dried parsley isn’t as flavorful, you might need a little more, or cut back on the parsley if you prefer a less grassy flavor)
- 2 teaspoons dried mint for 2 tablespoons fresh
While fresh herbs have a little more brightness, dried herbs can bring out that same earthy, savory vibe that’s perfect for making lamb chops.
What to Serve with Lamb Chops
Mediterranean lamb chops pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, including:
- Lemon orzo or rice pilaf
- Greek salad (cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta)
- Grilled vegetables (zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes)
- Roasted potatoes with rosemary
- Honey roasted carrots
- Spinach salad
- Warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki sauce
Other good side dishes for lamb chops include mashed cauliflower, sautéed green beans, and roasted root vegetables.
Storing Leftover Lamb Chops
Place leftover lamb chops in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the lamb chops in a casserole dish, add a small amount (about ⅓ cup) of water, lamb broth, or chicken broth.
Warm the lamb chops gently in the oven at 325°F for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the lamb chops are heated through. Reheating the lamb chops slowly helps to keep them from drying out.
And there you have it—the ultimate Mediterranean lamb chops recipe that’s big on flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress! With a marinade that brings out the best in the lamb and cooking methods that help to keep them tender and juicy, these lamb chops are as simple to make as they are delicious.
Serve the lamb chops with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that is easy to make for weeknight dinner and elegant enough to make as a delicious main course for a holiday meal. So the next time you want a meal with serious flavor that’s also easy and quick, give these lamb chops a try.
Recipe: Mediterranean Style Lamb Chops
Lamb chops are a versatile food that are enjoyed in many different types of cuisines around the world. This Mediterranean style lamb chops recipe is bursting with flavor, including an herb marinade to help flavor the lamb chops and make them tender.
The recipe includes three simple ways to cook lamb chops: grill, bake, or pan fry. Choose whichever method you prefer to make delicious lamb chops that are full of flavor.
The total time that it takes to make the recipe will depend on how long you marinate the lamb chops (between 30 minutes and 2 hours), among other factors. Keep in mind that thicker lamb chops may require a longer cooking time than thinner lamb chops.
Whatever method you choose to cook them, be sure to cook the lamb chops to a minimum internal temperature of at least 145°F as measured by an instant read meat thermometer.
Read the sections above for more details on how to make delicious and easy Mediterranean lamb chops.
Mediterranean Style Lamb Chops
Ingredients
- 8 bone in lamb chops about 1 inch thick each
- 1 small onion finely sliced
- 4 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
To Marinate the Lamb Chops:
- In a bowl, mix together the sliced onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, mint, oregano, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish or a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chops, ensuring that they’re fully coated. Marinate the lamb chops for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
- Remove the lamb chops from the fridge about 10 to 15 minutes before cooking them to help the lamb chops cook more evenly.
To Make Grilled Lamb Chops:
- Heat the grill to medium high (around 400°F).
- Place the lamb chops on the grill and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare, or adjust the cooking time to your preferred doneness. The lamb chops should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (for medium rare) as measured by an instant read meat thermometer.
- Let the lamb chops rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to help keep them juicy.
To Make Baked Lamb Chops:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Place the lamb chops in the skillet and cook them for 2 minutes on each side for extra flavor.
- Transfer the lamb chops to the baking sheet, and bake them for 10 to 12 minutes for medium rare, or a bit longer for more doneness. Bake until lamb chops should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (for medium rare) as measured by an instant read meat thermometer.
- Let the lamb chops rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
To Make Pan Fried Lamb Chops:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Place the lamb chops in the skillet and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare, or slightly longer for more doneness. Cook until the lamb chops reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (for medium rare) as measured by an instant read meat thermometer. Flip the lamb chops only once to help keep them juicy.
- After cooking, let the lamb chops rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving to help keep them juicy.
Notes
Looking for more easy holiday recipes?
- How to Make a Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey
- How to Make Marshmallow Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- How to Make the Best Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
- The Best Spinach Salad with Apple and Roquefort Cheese
This post was all about how to cook tender and flavorful Mediterranean lamb chops.
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