oven baked lamb chops (Printer-Friendly)
Tender lamb chops infused with a fresh herb and red pepper marinade, seared and oven-finished for rich flavor.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Lamb Chops
01 -
8 medium lamb chops (each about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
→ Aromatic Spice Blend
02 -
2 teaspoons kosher salt
03 -
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 -
1 tablespoon dried oregano
05 -
2 teaspoons dried thyme
06 -
½ tablespoon smoked paprika
07 -
½ teaspoon onion powder
→ Fresh Flavor Components
08 -
3 to 4 garlic cloves, peeled
09 -
½ red bell pepper, roughly chopped
10 -
Fresh parsley (reserve some for garnish)
11 -
Juice of ½ fresh lemon
12 -
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 tablespoons for searing
# Steps to Make This:
01 -
In a food processor, pulse the red bell pepper, fresh parsley, and garlic cloves until chunky paste forms, retaining some texture for bursts of flavor.
02 -
If using a whole rack, slice between bones into individual chops (1 to 1.5 inches thick). Place chops in a bowl, add the pepper mixture, all dried spices, olive oil, and lemon juice. Massage marinade evenly onto all surfaces.
03 -
Cover and refrigerate chops for at least 1 hour. Before cooking, bring to room temperature for 20-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
04 -
Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil, heating until shimmering.
05 -
In batches to avoid overcrowding, sear lamb chops 1-2 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops. Use patience to achieve the Maillard reaction.
06 -
Arrange seared chops in an oven-safe skillet or baking sheet without overlapping. Bake 2-5 minutes for medium-rare to medium (130-140°F internal) or 5-10 minutes for medium-well to well-done (145-160°F). Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
07 -
Remove chops immediately from oven to prevent overcooking. Rest on a platter for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Bring chops to room temperature before cooking to ensure even doneness.
02 -
Use a quality instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
03 -
Resting lamb chops allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.