I think lamb chops can sound intimidating to prepare sometimes. They are probably not a staple for most of us, and depending on where you live, are probably not that easily found in the average grocery store.
I’m lucky on that count. My family raises lambs each spring out on their property to show at the fair each summer. It’s been a nice way for my little sisters to learn a little hard work and gain a little income when they are auctioned off in August. And thanks to my Dad’s desire to support the local children by buying their lambs at the auction, it means I have access to the very best organic, local, grass-fed lamb available. I don’t eat red meat very often, so when I do have lamb, I feel lucky to be able to use what my dad has procured.
This is one of my favorite ways to prepare lamb. And for those of you who have never cooked it before, don’t worry…it’s simple!
For this recipe the chops are coated in a little garlic, oil, and seasonings and then broiled. After they are cooked I drizzle them with a balsamic reduction to make them glossy and extra flavorful. Don’t add the balsamic reduction to the lamb before cooking because the sugars in it will burn and it will run off of the meat(what I would call a tragedy).
Serve these lamb chops over the top of my white bean puree. They go together fabulously. This would make an elegant restaurant quality meal if you are a fan of cooking your significant other something special for Valentines Day.
—–a little tip—–
Make extra balsamic reduction and store it in a condiment squeeze bottle(you can find them at walmart in the kitchen supply section). Keep it in the fridge and pull it out anytime for a variety of uses. Drizzle it over grilled meats or seafood, use it in this crostini recipe, use it with this herb crusted pork, I could go on and on. It keeps for a long time(at least a month). I use it all the time, so it’s nice to have some ready made in the fridge.
- 12 small Lamb Chops
- 2 T. Olive Oil
- 1 T. Garlic,crushed
- 1 T. Coarse Salt
- 1 t. Coarse Ground Pepper
- BALSAMIC REDUCTION:
- ½ C. Balsamic vinegar
- ½ t. Coarse Salt
- ¼ t. Freshly ground Black Pepper
- 3 T. Brown Sugar
- To make the balsamic reduction:
- In a medium saucepan, pour in the vinegar, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
- Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer until the vinegar has reduced by one third to one half and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Watch closely! If the vinegar and sugar cook too long it will caramelize and become solid. Remove from heat and pour in a small bowl. Let cool. Can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.
- Place the oven on broil.
- Place the lamb chops in a bowl or large ziploc bag. Place the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in the bowl with the chops and toss well to evenly coat the chops with the seasonings and oil.
- Spread the chops out evenly on a broiling pan, making sure that they are not touching each other.
- Place the pan on the top rack of the oven and broil the chops for about 5 minutes, or until the chops are a deep, golden brown on the side facing up.
- Remove the chops from the oven and turn each one over.
- Place them back in the oven and broil again for about 5 minutes or until the side facing up is the same golden brown as the underside.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chops.
- Plate the chops as desired and drizzle additional balsamic glaze over them as desired.
Could I this recipe for pork chops, and if yes, how would you suggest that I change the cooking process?
Hi Christie! You could definitely use pork chops in place of the lamb. It shouldn’t change the cooking process at all, just the broiling time, which will depend on the thickness of your pork chops. If they are thinner, cook them for a slightly shorter time than the recipe states, and if they are quite thick, cook them longer on both sides. =)
Lo or high broil
Medium/high =)
What temp do you broil? My oven requires degree setting– no lo/med/high. 500?
Hi Angela, I would guess at about 500, but you would have to test and check for yourself. I only have high/medium/low settings, so I can only reference those =)
This recipe looks scrumptious! I love lamb and am always looking for different ways to cook it. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much, Ali!
I love lamb! Born n raised on lamb!! This looks yummy!!
OMG THESE LAMB CHOPS WERE AMAZING!!! I personally let mine marinate in a little olive oil just to cost them, fresh garlic, salt, & pepper for 2 days. Afterwards I did follow the recipe as instructed. They turned out so delicious that I was suppose to share them with friends but, I told them I’d have to make double and share next time
*coat
I am going to try it both way….marinate/ not marinated to see which we like best. How much fresh garlic, salt and pepper & olive oil ? as you can tell I am not a seasoned cook…just starting
I’m so glad you liked them, Brittany! Haha, I intend to share things with people a lot but it never seems to happen =)
This was so lovely I had with sweet potatoes and peas. Thanks for the recipe.
Thanks Steve, glad you liked it!
This recipe looks fantastic. Trying it tonight.
Awesome recipe. We live in far North Queensland and my son has (and partner) have to fly to the children’s hospital in Brisbane tomorrow, but we lost power to the whole area so I had to improvise. I cooked them on stove top ( because we have gas) with a lid over the frypan on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes a side and had it with boiled jacket potatos with sour cream, spring onion, bacon and mozzarella cheese with beans and pasta side dish. Very tasty!!
I love all your recipes. Thanks for sharing 🙂
jazza
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Super easy and a crowd pleaser. Thank you!
I’m so excited to make this recipe! But I have a quick question; can I sub the broiling pan for a different oven friendly pan?
Sure thing!
Can you use chicken breast instead of lamb chops?
I made this and it was so good!
And so fast!!!
So glad you liked!
Could you put them on a grill outside. How long I wonder. Can you eat lamb pink or not?
You could definitely grill them! I love my lamb a little pink in the middle =)
Making these right now. Serving with a garlic mashed potato dish, and fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden! I’ve never coked them before, so I am excited to see how everyone likes the dish.
I would like to try this– sounds delicious! However, I would like for them to turn out medium rare… how do these turn out broiling 5 min on each side– well? Medium well? Thank you!
I made these and I can’t wait to have them again. I used 2 Tbl of brown sugar instead of 3 Tbls and served the chips over mashed sweet potatoes. I also grilled the chops instead. And had toasted walnuts with fresh green beans as a side. What a hit and so easy so make. I used the left over balsamic sauce on grilled salmon with greens. Yum!
This looks great and I’m trying it out. How did you make the mashed potatoes?
Although I’ve cooked lamb many times, I’ve never actually enjoyed it till tonight. Thanks so much!!
Although I’ve cooked lamb many times, I’ve never actually enjoyed it till tonight. Thanks so much!!