How to make grilled lamb loin chops
Grilled lamb loin chops are a quick and easy dinner. You can grill lamb loin chops in about 12 minutes, which makes this recipe a winner for weeknight dinners.
Most of us are looking for weeknight recipes that are delicious, low effort, quick and easy. This recipe checks all of those boxes.
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Middle Eastern Lamb Loin Chops
For me, lamb and Middle Eastern spices go hand in hand. For these lamb chops, I used za’atar. If you are on the facebook page, you might remember a show and tell video of my trip to Kalustyans. It is my favorite place to buy spices in NYC.
It is to food people as a toy store is to kids. There are many different varieties of za’atar out there. Everyone makes it a little differently, but the basics of this spice blend are this: sesame seeds, thyme, oregano, sumac, coriander and salt.
Sumac is slightly bitter and lemony, like a lemon. Although za’atar might not be familiar to you, most of it’s ingredients probably are.
Grilled Lamb Loin Chops
I realize that it is still winter, but I’m one of those people that grills year round. I’ve grilled in three feet of snow, in the pouring rain (which is a bit of a challenge) and of course when it’s gorgeous and sunny outside.
Because I now live where it’s warm most of the year, I take advantage of this and fire that silver beast up at least once a week. If you are in the northern states and prefer not to wear a parka while grilling, these can also be seared in a hot pan and finished in the oven.
How to Cook Lamb Loin Chops Indoors
If you have a grill pan, that is a great indoor option. It will give you nice grill marks without having to grill outside.
Whether you are grilling indoors or outdoors, one thing to remember is this; do not use excessive amounts of oil. This is something I see people doing often and it ruins your food. The oil may catch on fire and then you have soot on your food.
This is obviously more of an issue on an outdoor grill, but I’d be lying if I said I’ve never seen it happen inside. A tablespoon of oil is plenty. If you try to move the lamb chops and they stick, they are telling you that they aren’t ready yet.
Give them another thirty to sixty seconds and try again. Meat (generally) naturally releases when it is ready. That being said, if it is sticking and you need to turn it, pry it off and turn it over! If your grill grates are a little dirty, that could be the culprit.
Lamb T Bones
This cut of lamb is pretty available in most stores and in warehouse stores, which makes it a great option. They also look kind of fancy, so it’s great for a dinner party, too.
By dinner party, I mean you can invite your neighbors over on Wednesday night and share a meal. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, just a time to get together and sit at the same table.
Quick and Easy Grilled Lamb Chops
These lamb chops are done in 12 minutes. This qualifies as quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Did I also mention that they are really easy? Sprinkle some seasoning on them, grill for 6 minutes, flip over and grill six more minutes. That’s it. I understand feeling a bit apprehensive if you aren’t used to cooking something, but I promise you, there is no reason to be nervous about lamb loin chops.
It couldn’t be easier. If you have the time to let them marinate, I suggest doing it. If you don’t, it’s not a deal-breaker.
How long to grill lamb loin chops?
I like my lamb pink, or medium, so I grill them for 5 to 6 minutes per side. If you like your lamb medium rare, shave another minute off and it should be perfect. Lamb can be tough if it is overcooked, so keep an eye on the timer.
How to cook lamb chops on the grill
Grilling lamb loin chops on the grill is super easy. Let them come to room temperature before you grill them. Place them on the counter for about 30 minutes and they should be good.
Fire up the grill, make sure your grates are clean and get it nice and hot before you put the meat on.
Pat the lamb chops dry, season them and carefully place them on the grill with your tongs (or if you are used to the heat like I am, fingers will do). Close the cover and grill on medium high heat, then flip over.
Reduce the heat to medium if they are getting too done. Take them off of the grill, set aside to cool slightly before eating. That’s all there is to it.
What are lamb loin chops?
Lamb loin chops, along with the pretty frenched lamb lollipops that most people are familiar with come from the rib section of the lamb. They are cut down into these smaller cuts from a larger rib section of the animal, called primal cuts.
Lamb chops are tender and delicious. They are best cooked over a high heat, which means they cook fairly quickly. It’s best to set a timer, so you don’t overcook them, because they will become a bit tough.
Think of a well done steak, it’s not easy to chew; but a medium to medium rare steak is much more tender. Therefore, when you’re cooking lamb t bones, you can’t leave them unattended for too long. The good news is, you’re not cooking them for very long anyway.
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Used to make grilled lamb loin chops:
What can I serve with these grilled chops?
Grilled Lamb Loin Chops with Za'Atar
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp za'atar spice blend
Lamb
- 2.5 lbs lamb loin chops 8 chops, 1.5 - 2" thick
- 1 tbsp za'atar spice blend
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix marinade and coat lamb chops completely with the marinade. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Remove from marinade, pat dry. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle lamb chops with za'atar and salt.
- Place lamb chops on the grill and cook for 6 minutes over medium to medium-high heat.
- Flip over and cook for another 6 minutes over medium heat. (turn down to medium low if needed)
- Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before eating.
- A fresh squeeze of lemon is also nice on these.
Lamb has become my new favorite meat thanks to the recipe with Pook’s Pantry. Delicious.