Prepare to transform your dinner table with a recipe that will make your taste buds dance and your guests swoon! These Mint Chimichurri Lamb Chops are not just a meal, they're a gourmet experience that combines the rich, tender flavors of perfectly seared lamb with a bright, zesty herb sauce that will elevate your cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to impress everyone at your table with this restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lamb chops
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove lamb chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- In a food processor, combine fresh mint leaves, parsley, garlic cloves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped but not completely pureed, creating a vibrant chimichurri sauce.
- Pat lamb chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect sear.
- Season both sides of lamb chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until it's very hot and slightly smoking.
- Add lamb chops to the hot pan, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time based on desired doneness.
- Use tongs to turn the chops and ensure even browning, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Remove lamb chops from heat and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Drizzle prepared mint chimichurri sauce over the lamb chops just before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your lamb chops rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and a more tender result.
- Dry for the Perfect Sear: Pat the lamb chops completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a beautiful golden-brown crust!
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan and make sure it's smoking hot before adding the lamb chops to achieve that perfect caramelized exterior.
- Don't Overcook: For medium-rare, aim for 3-4 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer if you're unsure, targeting an internal temperature of 135°F.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the lamb chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is incredibly juicy and flavorful.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use the freshest mint and parsley possible for your chimichurri sauce to maximize flavor and brightness.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust the chimichurri's consistency by adding more olive oil if you prefer a looser sauce, or pulse less for a chunkier texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
