This recipe transforms lamb chops from an intimidating dish into a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner. Using a two-step cooking technique of pan-searing followed by oven finishing, you’ll achieve the perfect golden crust and tender interior. The Mediterranean-inspired herb and red pepper marinade elevates the flavor, making this a memorable meal in under 30 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 medium-sized lamb chops (from 1-2 racks)

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

• 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled

• 1/2 red bell pepper, roughly chopped

• Fresh parsley (for marinade and garnish)

• Juice from 1/2 fresh lemon

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus 2 tablespoons for searing)

Directions

1. Preparing the Marinade
   Use a food processor to roughly process the red bell pepper, parsley, and garlic. The result should be a chunky paste.

2. Seasoning the Lamb
   If starting with a whole lamb rack, cut it into 1 to 1.5-inch chops. In a large bowl, combine the red pepper mixture with oregano, thyme, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then massage the marinade into the lamb chops.

3. Marinating
   Cover and refrigerate the lamb chops for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking.

4. Searing the Lamb
   Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chop for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.

5. Oven Finishing
   Once seared, arrange the lamb chops in the skillet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 2-5 minutes for medium-rare or 5-10 minutes for medium-well doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure accuracy.

6. Resting and Serving
   Let the chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrients (Per Chop)

• Calories: 352

• Protein: 42g

• Total Fat: 19g

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Cholesterol: 129mg

• Sodium: 683mg

Understanding the Two-Step Cooking Process

The secret to achieving perfectly cooked lamb chops lies in the two-step cooking process: pan-searing followed by oven finishing. The first step, searing, involves cooking the lamb chops in a hot pan, typically a cast iron skillet, to develop a rich, golden crust. This crust adds texture and flavor to the lamb, creating a contrast with the tender interior. The second step, oven finishing, ensures that the lamb is cooked to your preferred level of doneness, whether that’s medium-rare or medium-well.

By searing the lamb chops first, you lock in the juices and flavor, which is crucial for keeping the meat tender. The oven then gently finishes the cooking process, ensuring that the chops are cooked through without becoming dry or overcooked. The combination of these two methods is essential for achieving lamb chops that are both flavorful and perfectly cooked.

The Mediterranean-Inspired Marinade

One of the standout elements of this recipe is the Mediterranean-inspired marinade that infuses the lamb chops with vibrant, fresh flavors. The marinade combines red bell pepper, garlic, fresh parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and a squeeze of lemon juice. These ingredients come together to create a bold, aromatic paste that deeply flavors the lamb, elevating it to a new level.

The red bell pepper adds a slight sweetness to the marinade, while the garlic provides a savory, aromatic foundation. The dried oregano and thyme bring a familiar Mediterranean flavor profile, complementing the richness of the lamb. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth, and the fresh lemon juice cuts through the fattiness of the lamb, adding a touch of brightness. Together, these ingredients create a marinade that enhances the natural flavors of the lamb without overpowering them.

Preparing the Lamb Chops

To begin, you’ll need to prepare the lamb chops. If you start with a whole rack of lamb, you will need to slice it into individual chops, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This ensures that each chop cooks evenly and is perfectly portioned for serving. Once the chops are prepared, the next step is to create the marinade.

The red bell pepper, parsley, and garlic are roughly processed in a food processor to create a chunky paste. This paste is then combined with the dried herbs, spices, olive oil, and lemon juice. The result is a flavorful marinade that clings to the lamb chops and infuses them with its delicious flavors as they marinate.

Marinating the Lamb Chops

For the best flavor, the lamb chops should be marinated for at least one hour, though longer marinating times will only enhance the flavor. This step allows the meat to absorb the aromatic marinade, ensuring that each bite is full of rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. After marinating, it’s important to remove the lamb chops from the fridge for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to come to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.

Pan-Searing the Lamb Chops

Once the lamb chops are marinated and ready to cook, it’s time to start the pan-searing process. Preheat your oven to 400°F, and heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough to sear the lamb chops quickly, creating that golden crust on the outside.

Sear the lamb chops for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This quick searing locks in the juices and adds a beautiful texture to the chops. It’s important to avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to uneven searing. If necessary, work in batches to ensure that each chop gets the proper sear.

Finishing the Lamb Chops in the Oven

Once the lamb chops are seared to perfection, it’s time to finish cooking them in the oven. Transfer the skillet with the lamb chops to the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 5 minutes for medium-rare lamb or 5 to 10 minutes for medium-well doneness. The oven finishing process ensures that the lamb is cooked through but still tender and juicy.

Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach around 130°F, and for medium-well, aim for around 150°F. Keep in mind that the lamb will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so remove it from the oven when it’s just shy of your target temperature.

Resting the Lamb Chops

After removing the lamb chops from the oven, it’s important to let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy chop. This step is crucial for ensuring that the lamb chops don’t dry out when cut. Once rested, garnish the lamb chops with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

These Mediterranean-inspired lamb chops can be served with a variety of side dishes, making them a versatile choice for any meal. Pair them with a simple salad of mixed greens and feta cheese for a light and refreshing side. Alternatively, serve them with roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or zucchini, for a more hearty meal. A side of couscous or rice pilaf would also complement the flavors of the lamb beautifully, providing a perfect balance to the richness of the meat.

Nutritional Value

Each lamb chop in this recipe is packed with protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for any meal. With 42 grams of protein per chop, lamb provides a rich source of this essential nutrient, helping to support muscle growth and repair. Additionally, lamb is an excellent source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

While lamb does contain cholesterol and sodium, it’s important to note that these levels can vary depending on the cut of lamb used and the seasonings added. By preparing the lamb with a simple yet flavorful marinade and using minimal added salt, you can enjoy this dish while maintaining a balanced diet.

Conclusion

This recipe for Mediterranean-inspired lamb chops offers an easy yet elegant way to enjoy this delicious cut of meat. The two-step cooking process of pan-searing and oven finishing results in lamb chops that are perfectly cooked, with a golden crust and a tender interior. The vibrant herb and red pepper marinade adds a burst of Mediterranean flavor, elevating the lamb to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for a special occasion, these lamb chops are sure to satisfy. With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking technique, you can transform lamb chops into a memorable meal in under 30 minutes.