Easy Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe (Tender Every Time)
Mar 04, 2024, Updated Apr 23, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Easy Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe (Tender Every Time)– is a simple and delicious recipe for garlic and rosemary-marinated lamb shoulder chops cooked in olive oil on a cast iron skillet until golden brown perfection. It’s one of the best lamb recipes!
Serve with stuffed artichokes, mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots. See more: Traditional Italian Easter Menu.
Best Lamb Shoulder Chops
This simple recipe results in tender and flavorful lamb shoulder chops with the aromatic combination of garlic, rosemary, and thyme cooked in flavorful olive oil. It is a delicious meal that is a great way of cooking this cut of lamb!
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil creates a robust and aromatic marinade that infuses the lamb shoulder chops with layers of delicious flavors.
- Tenderness Guaranteed: Marinating and cooking the lamb on a cast iron skillet ensures the meat stays tender and juicy. The searing process locks in the moisture, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish.
- Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward to prepare. With simple ingredients and minimal steps, it’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
This recipe offers a delightful combination of simplicity, flavor, and tenderness, making it a go-to choice for a tasty, hassle-free lamb dish. This impressive dish is great for casual family dinners and more formal occasions.
You will also love pistachio crusted lamb chops and short ribs. Pair it with the best side dishes to serve with lamb recipes!
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
These ingredients come together to create a simple yet flavorful marinade for the lamb shoulder chops.
- Lamb Shoulder Chops (Lamb Shoulder Steaks): These are cuts of lamb from the shoulder, known for their rich flavor. They benefit from marination and are delicious when cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
- Garlic: A pungent and aromatic bulb that adds depth and savory flavor to the lamb. It’s minced and used in the marinade.
- Rosemary: An herb with fragrant, needle-like leaves. It gives the lamb a distinct earthy and pine-like flavor, enhancing its taste.
- Thyme: A herb with small, green leaves with a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor. It complements the other herbs and adds complexity to the marinade.
- Olive Oil: In the marinade and for cooking the lamb, olive oil adds richness and helps enhance the overall flavor. Choose extra virgin olive oil for its robust taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the lamb’s natural flavors. Adjust the amounts based on personal preference.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Cook Lamb Shoulder Chops
Step-by-step photo instructions make these lamb chops an easy recipe to follow.
Marinate the Lamb: In a bowl or large ziplock bag, mix garlic, rosemary, thyme leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Place the lamb shoulder chops in a shallow dish and coat them evenly with the marinade. Make sure to rub the marinade into the meat for optimal flavor.
Marinate Time: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the lamb marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate for up to 24 hours.
Preheat Cast Iron Skillet: Preheat your large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s well-heated before adding the lamb. If you are using a smaller pan cook in batches and don’t over crowd.
Cook the Lamb Shoulder Chops: Remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Once the skillet is hot, add a generous amount of olive oil. Place the lamb shoulder chops in the skillet.
Sear the Lamb: Sear the lamb shoulder chops for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired doneness.
Finish Cooking: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the lamb reaches your preferred level of doneness. Medium-rare typically has an internal temperature of about 130-135°F (54-57 °C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the lamb from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed and ensures a juicy and tender result.
Garnish and Enjoy: garnish with additional fresh herbs. Serve the lamb shoulder chops with your favorite side dishes. Roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes work well with this dish.
Substitutions
Lamb Shoulder Chops: You can substitute lamb shoulder chops with lamb loin chops or leg of lamb cut into chops. Adjust cooking times based on the cut and thickness of the meat.
Rosemary and Thyme: If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can use dried rosemary and thyme. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent, so use about 1/3 of the amount specified for fresh herbs.
Variations
Here are some variations you can consider to add a unique twist to your lamb steak:
- Citrus Zest Marinade:
- Add lemon zest or orange zest and a splash of orange or lemon juice to the marinade for a citrusy kick. The brightness of citrus complements the richness of lamb.
- Balsamic Glaze Finish:
- Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the cooked lamb just before serving. The sweet and tangy notes of balsamic vinegar add depth to the dish.
- Minty Freshness:
- Incorporate fresh mint leaves into the marinade for a refreshing and herbaceous flavor. Mint pairs well with lamb and adds a cool contrast. Serve with mint jelly.
- Dijon Mustard Marinade:
- Include a tablespoon of Dijon mustard in the marinade for a slightly tangy and savory element. Mustard complements the lamb’s robust flavor. Serve with a glass of red wine.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet – my favorite!
- Frying Pan – more affordable option
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover cooked lamb shoulder chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat lamb shoulder chops by placing them in an oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, use a microwave for quicker reheating, but be cautious to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Top tips for best results
o ensure the best results when making garlic and rosemary-marinated lamb shoulder chops on a cast iron skillet, consider the following tips:
- Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality lamb shoulder chops for better flavor and tenderness. Look for cuts with some marbling, as this adds richness to the meat.
- Marinating Time: Allow enough time for the lamb to marinate. The longer the marination, the more flavor the meat will absorb. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, marinate overnight for a more intense taste.
- Room Temperature Lamb: Let the lamb come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures more even cooking and a juicier result.
- Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet: Make sure your cast iron skillet is well-heated before adding the lamb. A hot skillet helps achieve a nice sear on the meat
- Searing for Flavor: Sear the lamb shoulder chops on high heat initially to develop a flavorful crust. This step locks in juices and enhances the overall taste.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the lamb in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and hinder the development of a good sear.
- Controlled Heat: After the initial sear, reduce the heat to medium-low to ensure the lamb cooks through evenly without burning. This allows the interior to reach the desired doneness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For precision, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb. Aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare. Adjust based on your preferred level of doneness.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the lamb to rest for a few minutes after cooking.
- Garnish for Freshness: Garnish the lamb with additional fresh herbs before serving. This not only adds a burst of freshness but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
FAQs
Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C).
Lamb shoulder chops are cuts of meat obtained from the shoulder area of a lamb. They are flavorful, moderately fatty, and often contain a bone. These chops are suitable for various cooking methods, such as grilling, roasting, or pan-searing.
More Recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
Serving Suggestions
What to serve with lamb chops:
Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe (Tender Every Time)
This Easy Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe (Tender Every Time)– is a simple and delicious recipe for garlic and rosemary-marinated lamb shoulder chops cooked in olive oil on a cast iron skillet until golden brown perfection. It’s one of the best lamb recipes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shoulder chops
- 3 cloves of garlic, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for cooking
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Lamb: In a bowl or large ziplock bag, mix garlic, rosemary, thyme leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Place the lamb shoulder chops in a shallow dish and coat them evenly with the marinade. Make sure to rub the marinade into the meat for optimal flavor.
- Marinate Time: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the lamb marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate for up to 24 hours.
- Preheat Cast Iron Skillet: Preheat your large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s well-heated before adding the lamb. If you are using a smaller pan cook in batches and don’t over crowd.
- Cook the Lamb Shoulder Chops: Remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Once the skillet is hot, add a generous amount of olive oil. Place the lamb shoulder chops in the skillet.
- Sear the Lamb: Sear the lamb shoulder chops for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired doneness.
- Finish Cooking: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the lamb reaches your preferred level of doneness. Medium-rare typically has an internal temperature of about 130-135°F (54-57 °C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lamb from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed and ensures a juicy and tender result.
- Garnish and Enjoy: garnish with additional fresh herbs. Serve the lamb shoulder chops with your favorite side dishes. Roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes work well with this dish.
- Prep Time: 10 min + marinade time
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
We tried the lamb shoulder recipe and it was delicious. It was easy and quick to make. I highly recommend this recipe
So happy you loved it!
If you love lamb and want a quick and easy recipe, this one is PERFECT!! Enjoy.