Description
This Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops recipe offers a flavorful and elegant way to prepare tender lamb chops with a fragrant crust made from fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a special dinner, these lamb chops are pan-seared to a juicy finish and topped with a golden herb and breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 8 lamb chops (about 1-inch thick)
Herb Mixture
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Crust
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning & Serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the herb mixture: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Mix well to form a fragrant herb paste that will be used to coat the lamb chops.
- Season the lamb chops: Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavor.
- Coat the lamb chops: Brush each lamb chop evenly on both sides with the prepared herb mixture, ensuring a thorough coating. This will infuse the meat with the herbal flavors during cooking.
- Prepare the breadcrumb crust: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Press each herb-coated lamb chop into this mixture on both sides to form a flavorful crust.
- Cook the lamb chops: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the lamb chops and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (typically 130°F for medium-rare). Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a crisp crust.
- Rest the lamb chops: Remove the lamb chops from the skillet and let them rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
- Serve: Serve the lamb chops garnished with lemon wedges if desired, which add a refreshing citrus brightness that complements the rich herb crust.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh herbs, but dried herbs can be substituted with half the quantity.
- You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding lamb chops to achieve a crispy crust.
- Adjust cooking time according to chop thickness and preferred doneness.
- Resting the meat is crucial for juicy chops.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
