Master the Art of How to Pan Grill Lamb Chops Perfectly

By Avi Green October 30, 2023

Barbecuing is an art that many of us cherish, and mastering the intricate details can take your outdoor grilling game to the next level. One of the most exquisite meats to grace any grill is lamb chops. If you have ever wondered how to pan grill lamb chops to perfection, you've come to the right place. Our guide will walk you through every step to help you create juicy, mouth-watering lamb chops that will impress your guests.

Choosing the Right Lamb Chops

Before you think about spicing or grilling, it's crucial to select the right lamb chops. Whether it's rib chops, loin chops, or shoulder chops, the quality of your meat will significantly affect your results.

Types of Lamb Chops

Rib Chops: Known for their tenderness and flavor, rib chops come from the rib section. These are ideal for quick cooking methods like pan grilling.

Loin Chops: Also tender, these are cut from the back of the animal and are often referred to as T-bone steaks of the lamb.

Shoulder Chops: These chops are less tender and require more cooking time, making them less ideal for pan grilling but still delicious if prepared correctly.

Prepping Your Lamb Chops

Marinades and seasoning play a pivotal role in enhancing the flavor of your lamb chops. A simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and salt is a tried-and-true combination, but don't be afraid to get creative.

Marinades

Marinating your lamb chops for a few hours can infuse them with additional flavors. Here's a basic marinade recipe:

1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp fresh rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a ziplock bag, add your lamb chops, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.

Dry Rubs

If youre short on time, a dry rub is a quicker alternative. Mix together salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander and evenly coat your chops.

Setting Up Your Grill Pan

A quality grill pan is essential for achieving those coveted grill marks and great flavor. For more on grill pans, check out this guide on using a grill pan. Heat your grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes to ensure it is hot enough for grilling.

Oil the Pan

Before placing your lamb chops on the grill pan, lightly oil the pan to prevent sticking. You can use olive oil or a high-smoke point oil like canola or grapeseed.

Grilling the Lamb Chops

Place your lamb chops on the grill pan once it is sufficiently heated. Cook them undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer a different level of doneness, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Using a Meat Thermometer

To achieve precise doneness, use a meat thermometer. Here's a basic guide:

120F for rare
130F for medium-rare
140F for medium
160F for well-done

Resting the Lamb Chops

Once your lamb chops are perfectly grilled, let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.

Why Resting is Important

Skipping the resting step can result in dry meat as the juices may spill out onto the plate instead of redistributing within the meat fibers.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your delicious pan-grilled lamb chops with some sides for a complete meal. Mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even a simple salad make excellent accompaniments.