Description
This Rosemary Garlic Grilled Lamb Chops recipe offers tender, flavorful lamb marinated in a fragrant mixture of red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, and fresh herbs, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for an elegant dinner or special occasion, these chops are juicy and aromatic with a delightful balance of savory and sweet notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Lamb Chops
- 600 – 800 g / 1.2 – 1.6 lb lamb chops (4 – 8 pieces, depending on size)
Marinade
- 2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/4 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 3/4 – 1 tsp sea salt
- Black pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- Oil, for cooking if required (such as for brushing the grill or skillet)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the salt has completely dissolved and all ingredients are fully mixed.
- Marinate the Lamb: Add the lamb chops to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight up to 24 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply for maximum taste.
- Preheat the Grill or Skillet: If using a BBQ grill, brush the grill bars lightly with oil to prevent sticking, then heat the grill to medium-high. If using a stovetop, heat half a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Cook the Lamb Chops: Place the lamb chops on the preheated grill or skillet. Grill each side for about 3 minutes to achieve medium doneness for chops approximately 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick. Adjust the cooking time to suit thicker or thinner chops or desired doneness. Optionally, cook smashed garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs alongside for garnish and to infuse additional aroma.
- Rest the Meat: Transfer the cooked lamb chops to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender result.
- Serve: Serve the grilled lamb chops with your choice of side dishes and garnishes such as the cooked garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs for an elegant presentation and added flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the lamb overnight intensifies flavor but a minimum of 2 hours still yields good results.
- Adjust cooking times depending on chop thickness and desired doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh rosemary when possible for more vibrant flavor; dried rosemary is a fine substitute.
- Letting the meat rest after grilling is crucial to retain juices and tenderness.
- Serve with sides like grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
