There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly cooked lamb chop, and when you add the decadent flavors of garlic and butter, it’s a culinary delight that’s hard to beat. This Garlic Butter Lamb Chops recipe is straightforward, yet the results are spectacular, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe and transform your meal into a gourmet experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb lamb chops, 1-1.25 inches thick
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2-3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Coarse salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the Lamb Chops:
- Remove the lamb chops from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking. This allows them to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with coarse salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
- Heat the Skillet:
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add the olive oil. The skillet should be hot enough that the lamb sizzles when it hits the pan.
- Sear the Lamb Chops:
- Sear the lamb chops in the skillet for 3-5 minutes on each side. The goal is to achieve a beautifully browned crust.
- Add Flavor:
- Add the unsalted butter, minced garlic, and fresh thyme to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, gently shake the skillet to distribute the garlic and thyme evenly.
- Baste the Lamb Chops:
- Using a spoon, baste the lamb chops with the garlic butter mixture. This not only adds incredible flavor but also keeps the meat moist and juicy.
- Check Doneness:
- Check the internal temperature of the largest chop. Remove from heat once the desired doneness is reached. The temperatures are as follows:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-Rare: 130°F
- Medium: 135-140°F
- Medium-Well: 145°F
- Check the internal temperature of the largest chop. Remove from heat once the desired doneness is reached. The temperatures are as follows:
- Rest and Serve:
- Transfer the lamb chops to a serving dish and cover loosely with foil. Let them rest for about 10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Before serving, drizzle the resting juices and the remaining butter mixture over the lamb chops for an added burst of flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for fresh, high-quality lamb chops for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Monitor the Heat: Cast iron retains heat well, so adjust the burner as needed to prevent burning the garlic or overcooking the lamb.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures you achieve the perfect level of doneness without any guesswork.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 410 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Conclusion:
This Garlic Butter Lamb Chops recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a gourmet meal. The rich, buttery garlic flavor paired with the tender, juicy lamb chops is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will be a hit. Enjoy the culinary journey and savor each bite!
Feel free to share your experiences or any variations you tried with this recipe. Happy cooking!
PrintGarlic Butter Lamb Chops
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
These Garlic Butter Lamb Chops combine the rich, indulgent flavors of butter and fresh herbs with the succulent tenderness of well-seared lamb. The aroma of thyme and garlic fills the kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that promises a meal both comforting and luxuriously flavorful.
Ingredients
2 lb lamb chops, 1-1.25 inches thick
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2–3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme
Coarse salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
Remove the lamb chops from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking.
Prepare all ingredients beforehand.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat, add olive oil.
Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear the lamb chops in the skillet for 3-5 minutes on each side.
Add butter, garlic, and thyme to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, distribute it by gently shaking the skillet.
Baste the lamb chops with the garlic butter mixture.
Check the internal temperature of the largest chop. Remove from heat when desired doneness is reached.
Transfer the chops to a serving dish, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
Drizzle the resting juices and butter mixture over the chops before serving.
Internal Temperatures:
Rare: 125°, Medium-Rare: 130°, Medium: 135-140°, Medium-Well: 145°
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 410