Make these succulent Mediterranean lamb chops marinated in olive oil, rosemary, lemon juice, and garlic. They are incredibly tender, satisfying, flavorful, and ready in about 10 minutes (not counting the marinating time).
Delight guests or whip up a quick dinner with our Mediterranean lamb chops. Marinated in a blend of aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and savory seasonings, they're bursting with flavor. Cooked fast in a skillet, this lamb chop meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Impress with this incredibly delicious dish that's simple yet satisfying.
Try equally fast and delicious lamb chop meals: Lamb and Potatoes, Turkish Lamb Chops, Air Fryer Lamb Chops, and Fried Lamb Chops (the link opens in a new tab)! Serve the chops with a simple arugula salad, Beet Apple Salad, or Pesto Gnocchi.
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๐Why does this recipe work?
- Marinade: The blend of olive oil, rosemary, lemon juice, and garlic adds rich flavor, tenderizing the lamb chops and creating a delicious taste.
- Cooking technique: Using a skillet makes cooking this Mediterranean lamb chop recipe quick and easy. High heat locks in juices and flavors, ensuring perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender meat.
- Versatility: Cook on the spot for a tasty and quick lamb chop meal. Great for any occasion, from casual dinners to gatherings with friends and family. Pair them with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes and Air-Fried Asparagus for a delicious dinner with friends.
Check out What to Serve with Lamb Chops!
๐Recipe ingredients
- Lamb rib chops. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. If the rack of lamb is not pre-cut, separate chops by slicing between the bones with a sharp knife. Typically, 12 ribs will serve four people as a main dish or 6 as an appetizer.
- Marinating liquids: Extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar. If your lemon is unwaxed, you can also use some lemon zest for the marinade.
- Mediterranean spices for lamb: Fresh rosemary, garlic cloves, a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, fine sea salt, and ground black pepper. Sub fresh rosemary with about 1 teaspoon of dried. You can use other fresh herbs instead: mint, oregano, thyme, parsley, etc.
- Try Turkish Pasta, another Mediterranean dish that's full of flavor. Or make some Greek-style Lamb Stuffed Peppers.
When selecting lamb chops, choose pink to red cuts with even white marbling, ensuring even fat distribution. Aim for those slightly over an inch thick to prevent overcooking. Various cuts are available, including loin, shoulder, sirloin, and rib chops.
Rib chops are recommended for their affordability, moderate thickness, and tenderness.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ณHow to make Mediterranean lamb chops?
Step #1: Whisk all the Mediterranean lamb chop marinade ingredients in a small bowl.
Step #2: Place lamb chops and marinade in a zip-lock bag. Seal and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking (See tips below).
Step #3: Heat the cast iron skillet or grill pan on high heat. Cook the meat pieces in the hot pan on one side for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step #4: Flip them and cook them for 3 minutes on the other side. Let them rest shortly.
๐ก๏ธInternal temperatures for lamb chops
- Rare: 130ยฐF (54ยฐC)
- Medium Rare: 135ยฐF (57ยฐC)
- Medium: 145ยฐF (63ยฐC)
- Medium Well: 160ยฐF (71ยฐC)
- Well Done: 165ยฐF (74ยฐC)
Cooking time: For medium-rare chops, cook them for about 5 minutes in total (2 minutes on one side, then 3 on the other) until the internal temperature reaches 130ยฐF/ 54ยฐC. For medium, cook them for 6 minutes (3 minutes per side) until the internal temperature reaches 145ยฐF/ 63ยฐC.
Use an instant-read thermometer (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab) inserted into the thickest part of the meat cut to ensure accurate cooking. Adjust cooking times according to your desired level of doneness.
๐Expert Tips
Marinating, even briefly, enhances the flavor layers and lets the cutlets shine. Plus, you can prep this step in advance if you like. You should marinate them for at least one hour. Most of the time, I marinate the Mediterranean lamb chops for about 4 hours.
Marinating dish: You can also marinate the meat in a shallow dish. In this case, remember to turn the chops in the marinade at least once during the marinating time.
High heat is essential for cooking tender lamb chops.
Consider their thickness; thicker ones need more time. Choose pieces of similar thickness to ensure even cooking, preventing uneven results.
Rest: Allow your Mediterranean-style lamb chops to rest briefly before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, enhancing their juiciness and flavor.
โRecipe FAQs
You can use different cuts, such as loin lamb chops, shoulder chops, or sirloin chops, based on availability and preference. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Yes, probably any marinade you can think of. The cooking process remains the same.
I donโt recommend it; they are best when served immediately. Reheated leftovers are still delicious, but they will be dryer than freshly cooked chops. You can prepare the Mediterranean marinade two days ahead and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the preheated oven (350ยฐF/ 180ยฐC) in a baking dish covered with aluminum foil for 10-15 minutes.
๐ฝ๏ธWhat to serve with them?
We love to serve them Greek-style with roasted potatoes, tzatziki, and Greek Salad, Italian style with polenta, Greek lemon dill rice, arugula salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions, and balsamic dressing, or Middle Eastern style with Hummus without Garlic, tahini sauce (find the recipe for it in this recipe for Falafel Sandwich) couscous or bulgur, and roasted vegetables.ย
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๐ Recipe
The Best Mediterranean Lamb Chops Recipe
Equipment
- Large cast-iron skillet , griddle pan, or frying pan
- Large zip-lock bag or shallow dish for marinating
Ingredients
- 12 lamb rib chops frenched, Note 1
- ยผ cup extra-virgin olive oil 60 ml
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary ยฝ a tablespoon when finely chopped, Note 2
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ยฝ teaspoon ground black pepper
- pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Mediterranean marinade: Whisk all the ingredients for the marinade in a small bowl.ยผ cup extra-virgin olive oil +1 tablespoon white wine vinegar + 1 tablespoon lemon juice + 2 garlic cloves + 2 sprigs fresh rosemary + 1 teaspoon fine sea salt + ยฝ teaspoon ground black pepper + pinch of red pepper flakes
- Marinade lamb chops: Place them in a zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring all chops are coated evenly. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours. Remove them from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking (Notes 3,4).12 lamb rib chops
- Cook lamb chops: Heat the skillet or grill pan on high heat. Cook the chops on one side for 2 to 3 minutes (Note 5). Flip them and cook them for 3 minutes on the other side.
- Rest the lamb chops for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rib lamb chops from a rack. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. If not pre-cut, separate them by slicing between the bones with a sharp knife. Typically, 12 ribs will serve four people as a main dish or 6 as an appetizer.
- Rosemary: Sub fresh rosemary with about 1 teaspoon of dried. You can use other herbs instead: mint, oregano, thyme, parsley, etc.
- Marinating dish: Use a shallow dish instead of a bag. In this case, turn the chops in the marinade at least once during the marinating time.
- Marinating time: Marinate the chops for at least one hour. I marinate them for about 4 hours most of the time.
- Cooking time and internal temperature: For medium-rare chops, cook them for about 5 minutes in total (2 minutes on one side, then 3 on the other) until the internal temperature reaches 135ยฐF/ 54ยฐC. For medium, cook them for 6 minutes (3 minutes per side) until the internal temperature reaches 145ยฐF/ 63ยฐC.
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