Print

Garlic Rosemary Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 4 reviews

This Lamb Shoulder Chops recipe features succulent lamb marinated in fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then perfectly seared to a golden-brown crust in a cast iron skillet. It's a flavorful and tender dish ideal for dinner, complemented with your choice of sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Marinade and Meat

  • 4 lamb shoulder chops
  • 3 cloves garlic (cut in half)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for cooking)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Lamb: In a bowl or large ziplock bag, combine garlic, rosemary, thyme leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Coat the lamb shoulder chops evenly in the marinade, rubbing it into the meat to enhance flavor.
  2. Marinate Time: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the lamb for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. For a deeper flavor, marinate up to 24 hours.
  3. Preheat Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until well-heated. If using a smaller pan, cook the chops in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  4. Bring Lamb to Room Temperature: Remove the marinated lamb from the refrigerator and let sit for 15-20 minutes to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
  5. Sear the Lamb: Add a generous amount of olive oil to the hot skillet, then place the lamb shoulder chops in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
  6. Finish Cooking: Lower the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the chops until they reach your desired doneness, typically medium-rare at an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes to redistribute the juices, ensuring tenderness and juiciness.
  8. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve alongside sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinating for longer intensifies the flavor; up to 24 hours is recommended.
  • Using a cast iron skillet provides the best sear and heat retention.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.
  • Resting the meat after cooking helps retain juices.
  • Adjust cooking time to achieve preferred doneness.