Juicy Pan Seared Lamb Chops Recipe: Fast Dinner Magic

Succulent and tender lamb chops sizzle with irresistible flavor in this pan seared lamb chops recipe that promises a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen.

Rich, golden-brown edges lock in every ounce of juicy goodness, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for dinner.

Marinated with fragrant herbs and seasoned perfectly, these lamb chops deliver a robust taste that lingers on your palate.

The quick cooking technique ensures a delectable caramelized exterior while maintaining a perfectly pink interior.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish accessible for both novice and experienced home cooks.

Impress your guests with this elegant yet simple main course that brings gourmet dining to your dining table.

Get ready to savor every delicious bite of these perfectly cooked, flavor-packed lamb chops.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need to Make Pan Seared Lamb Chops

• Lamb Chops: Choose fresh, high-quality cuts with a nice marbling of fat for maximum flavor and tenderness. Look for bright pink meat with white fat edges.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the lamb's natural richness and creating a delicious crust. Use freshly ground black pepper for a more vibrant taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect golden sear and prevents sticking to the pan. Choose extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor profile.
• Butter: Adds a luxurious richness and helps create a beautiful golden-brown exterior. European-style butter offers a higher butterfat content for better browning.
• Garlic: Infuses the lamb with a deep, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic cloves provide the most intense taste.
• Rosemary, Thyme: Classic herb combination that complements lamb's robust flavor. Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant and bright herbal notes.

Kitchen Tools for Searing the Perfect Lamb Chops

• Cast Iron Skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan perfect for achieving a beautiful sear on lamb chops.
• Digital Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking precise internal temperature of the meat.
• Tongs: Helps flip lamb chops safely and precisely without piercing the meat.
• Sharp Knife: Used for trimming and preparing lamb chops before cooking.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing and resting meat.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring seasonings and herbs.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover and rest the cooked lamb chops, keeping them warm.

How to Cook Pan Seared Lamb Chops Like a Pro

• Room Temperature Prep

Unwrap lamb chops and let them sit out, allowing natural warmth to soften their texture and ensure even cooking.

• Seasoning Embrace

Gently dab lamb chops with paper towels, creating a dry surface that helps develop a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, massaging the seasonings into the meat’s surface.

• Sizzling Skillet Magic

Place cast iron skillet on stovetop, cranking heat to create a smoking hot surface. Drizzle olive oil, letting it shimmer and dance before carefully nestling lamb chops into the pan.

• Golden Sear Transformation

Watch as lamb chops develop a gorgeous caramel-brown crust, flipping once to create an even, crusty exterior. Lower heat and introduce butter with fragrant herbs, creating a luxurious sauce that bathes the meat.

• Resting Perfection

Transfer lamb chops to a warm plate, tenting loosely with foil. Allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent before serving.

Pro Tips & Tasty Additions for Lamb Chops

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Soak lamb chops in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 2-4 hours before cooking to infuse deep, rich flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Opt for rib or loin lamb chops, which are more tender and cook quickly, ensuring a juicy and succulent result every time.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like mint, oregano, or za'atar to create unique flavor profiles that complement the lamb's natural richness.
• Use a meat thermometer to achieve your desired doneness, from rare (120°F) to well-done (160°F), ensuring perfectly cooked lamb chops every single time.
• Serve with a bold red wine like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the lamb's robust flavor and create a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

Best Ways to Serve Pan Seared Lamb Chops

• Pair with Creamy Sides: Serve lamb chops alongside smooth mashed potatoes or rich polenta to complement the meat's robust flavor and create a luxurious dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or additional rosemary over the lamb chops just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch and enhance the herbal notes.
• Wine Companion: Match these tender lamb chops with a medium-bodied red wine like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, which will beautifully highlight the meat's rich, savory profile.
• Mediterranean Accent: Create a Mediterranean-inspired plate by adding a small Greek salad or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant to provide a colorful and flavorful side.

Lamb Chop Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store leftover lamb chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheat with Care: Warm lamb chops gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275°F to maintain moisture and prevent toughening.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual lamb chops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where they'll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
• Prep in Advance: Season lamb chops up to 24 hours before cooking and store covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and save time on meal day.

Succulent Lamb Chops Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Moroccan-spiced lamb chops bring Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables with intense herbal and aromatic notes. Crisp exterior and juicy interior make this dish perfect for home cooks craving restaurant-quality meals.

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Ingredients

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• 8 bone-in lamb loin chops (about 1 in/2.5 cm thick)
• 2 tsps kosher salt (adjust as needed)
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 tbsps salted butter

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Instructions

1. Temperature Preparation: Remove lamb chops from refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature for 20 minutes, ensuring uniform cooking and tender meat texture.
2. Surface Preparation: Pat lamb chops completely dry using paper towels to guarantee maximum moisture removal for perfect searing.
3. Seasoning: Liberally coat lamb chops with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a robust flavor profile across all surfaces.
4. Pan Preheating: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high flame until surface becomes intensely hot, preparing for optimal meat caramelization.
5. Initial Cooking: Pour extra virgin olive oil into scorching skillet, then carefully position lamb chops with strategic spacing to prevent steaming and encourage golden-brown crust formation.
6. First Side Searing: Cook lamb chops for 3-4 minutes until a rich, caramelized exterior develops, then flip using tongs to sear opposite side with equivalent cooking duration.
7. Flavor Enhancement: Reduce heat to medium-low, introducing unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Continuously baste lamb chops with aromatic herb-infused butter for approximately 5 minutes.
8. Doneness Verification: Use digital meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 125 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare perfection.
9. Resting Phase: Remove lamb chops from heat, loosely tent with aluminum foil, and allow 10-minute resting period to redistribute internal juices and maximize tenderness.
10. Serving: Plate and present the herb-infused, perfectly seared lamb chops as a culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Bring to Room Temperature: Allow lamb chops to rest outside refrigerator for 20 minutes, ensuring even cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Pat Perfectly Dry: Use paper towels to remove all moisture from lamb chops, creating an ideal surface for achieving a stunning golden-brown crust.
• Master the Heat: Use a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to generate intense, consistent heat that guarantees exceptional caramelization and flavor development.
• Rest for Succulence: Let cooked lamb chops sit covered for 10 minutes after cooking, allowing internal juices to redistribute and create incredibly tender meat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg