Lamb is a very tender cut of meat, so you want to be careful not to overcook it. As in the recipe above, we’ve suggested mere minutes for searing each side of the chops. In this method we've shared a lamb chops recipe using the oven, but again, the chops will only need minutes to reach temperature and the ideal texture. If you’re opting instead to follow a wholly baked lamb chops recipe, then you’ll skip the step of searing and cook the chops uncovered in an oven for 10 minutes. Some chefs prefer this approach as it offers more control, unlike the pan method where you need to be quick to check you’re not overcooking your chops.
As the lamb will cook very quickly, if you’re not used to cooking with lamb or still finding your confidence with this dish, it’s worth investing in a quick-read meat thermometer. This will give you the confidence that your lamb is cooked to perfection. You can try testing the doneness with your finger, but if you’re new to this recipe, then it’s worth having the additional backup of a trusted thermometer.
If you’re wondering whether you could substitute mutton into this recipe, it’s actually better to stick to lamb. Mutton is a tougher meat and is far more suited to slow-cooking methods, such as braising or stewing, as opposed to lamb which cooks quickly given its tender texture. And in terms of the lamb cut, we’d recommend opting for lamb rib chops, due to their rich flavor and tender texture. Cuts including lamb shoulder aren’t as tender so will need longer to cook to reach the perfect end texture.
Marinade Options and Techniques
Using a lamb chop marinade is vital in our opinion to get the best out of the meat. It helps the cut to retain moisture when cooking, and introduces added flavors to the final dish. We’ve shared a simple lamb chop marinade recipe above, but you could add other ingredients such as chili flakes, for spice, or lemon, for citrus notes. It’s also possible to switch the herb from rosemary to thyme or parsley if desired. Either way, it’s best to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking and, if you can leave it longer, that’s even better. If you do decide to marinate your lamb chops a day before, make sure you take them out of the fridge and let them come up to room temperature before cooking. Take care not to over-marinate, however. Any longer than 24 hours and you may find this actually makes your lamb chops tougher than desired.
What to Serve with Lamb Chops
Lamb chops pair effortlessly with mint. From a mint chimichurri to a classic mint jelly, the gamey flavors of the lamb work spectacularly with the freshness of mint. For lamb side dishes, try plating alongside honey-glazed carrots and roast potatoes with rosemary. Or take inspiration from the British and enjoy a helping of mushy peas with your lamb chops. Lamb also regularly features in Moroccan cuisine, and is a tender and robust meat to enjoy in a classic couscous dish from this country with sweet sultanas.
