Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, perfectly broiled lamb chops infused with the vibrant flavors of Greece – a culinary journey that promises to elevate your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. These Greek-style lamb rib chops are not just a meal; they're a sensory experience that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking enthusiast looking to impress, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a Greek taverna, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lamb rib chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove lamb rib chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Pat lamb chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Coat lamb chops evenly with the prepared marinade, ensuring all sides are well-covered. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat broiler to high and position oven rack about 4-5 inches from the heat source.
- Place marinated lamb chops on a broiler pan or rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Broil lamb chops for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time based on desired doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature: 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
- Remove chops from broiler and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional lemon wedges before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your lamb chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and optimal tenderness.
- Moisture Management: Pat the lamb chops completely dry before marinating. This crucial step helps achieve that beautiful, golden-brown crust when broiling.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 10-15 minutes allow the garlic, oregano, and lemon to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing its natural flavors.
- Broiler Positioning: Keep your oven rack 4-5 inches from the heat source for perfect caramelization without burning.
- Doneness Precision: Use a meat thermometer to nail your preferred level of doneness. Remember, 135°F is the sweet spot for medium-rare lamb.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your lamb chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly juicy and tender. Pro tip: For an authentic Greek touch, serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon just before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
