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Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Marinade

    During the springtime, lamb chops have become a go-to dish for us. We’ve tried different ways of cooking lamb and have enjoyed them all! Recently, we tried marinating lamb in yogurt, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

    The lamb turned out to be very tender after marinating for three hours, making it easy to cut without a knife. However, I had to leave the kitchen because Amy was trying to take pictures of the lamb chops for this recipe. She asked me to pick one up for the photo, but I couldn’t resist taking a bite. I don’t even think you need utensils to eat it! Amy then asked me and my lamb chop to leave the kitchen. I was happy because I had my chop, a glass of wine, and a good TV show!

    Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Marinade

    Key steps for making the lamb chops

    You can effortlessly wow your guests with this dish, without having to dedicate hours to its preparation. Lamb chops can be cooked to your liking, whether you prefer them rare or well done, yielding a delectable dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone.

    Spices

    To create this delicious marinade for lamb chops, simply mix together some yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. If you’re looking for a bolder flavor, feel free to add some habanero. This tasty ingredient adds a delightful blend of sweetness and spiciness that perfectly complements the other seasonings. However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can skip the habanero without compromising the dish’s overall flavor.

    How do I cut a rack of lamb?

    If you’re feeling intimidated by the idea of cutting a rack of lamb to make lamb chops, don’t worry – it’s actually a fairly simple process. Begin by placing the rack on its bottom and cutting in between the bones. While a sharp knife can certainly make this task easier, I was able to do it successfully with dull knives. Don’t let a lack of confidence hold you back – give it a try! 😀

    When preparing lamb chops, begin by adding fresh lemon juice to both sides. Then, generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and granulated garlic on each side.

    To achieve perfectly marinated lamb chops, grab a container that can be refrigerated. Apply a generous amount of spiced yogurt onto the lamb chops and allow them to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for optimal results. In our experience, a 3-hour marinade is a sweet spot. This tried-and-tested technique is guaranteed to tenderize the meat, resulting in lamb chops that are incredibly tender and tasty.

    Sesaon the Lamb Chops

    Before cooking the lamb chops, remove them from the fridge at least 30 minutes in advance. Use a table knife or paper towel to wipe away most of the marinade, as this will prevent the yogurt mixture from burning in the pan while cooking. It’s important to achieve a good sear, and excessive marinade can lead to burning before the chops are fully cooked.

    Preparing Lamb Chops to cook

    Cooking the lamb chops

    To prepare the lamb chops, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large saute pan. Using roughly 2 tablespoons of oil is best for fewer calories in the recipe, but feel free to add more if desired. Cook the lamb chops for 2 to 3 minutes on each side to achieve medium doneness. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the lamb is cooked to your liking. If you need to keep the cooked chops warm while preparing the rest, place them in a 200-degree oven.

    • Rare – 115 – 120F
    • Medium rare – 125F
    • Medium – 130F
    • Medium well – 145F
    • Well done – 150F

    How to serve

    These lamb chops can be enjoyed with rice, risotto, or your preferred type of potatoes. Add a burst of flavor by sprinkling finely chopped cilantro on top. If cilantro isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it with parsley, green onions, or chives. To make it an even more delightful meal, serve it with a side of Tzatziki sauce.

    Looking for something else? You might also enjoy these recipes:

    Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Marinade

    Lamb Chops are marinated in a blend of lemon, yogurt, and spices, and are pan-seared to perfection for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.