If you're looking for an easy and delicious protein-packed dinner recipe, look no further than these pan-seared lamb loin chops.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
The combination of garlic, thyme, and olive oil gives the lamb chops a flavorful crust, while the oven roasting ensures they cook evenly and stay tender and juicy. Serve with your favorite vegetable side dish or a salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Looking for more lamb dishes? Try my Lamb Pasta Primavera, Grilled Lamb Chops, or Lamb Kofta.
Looking for the perfect sides for these pan seared lamb loin chops? Try my Creamy Red Potato Salad, Green Bean Salad, or Lemon Herb Couscous.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes and requires minimal prep work, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Juicy: The combination of garlic, thyme, and olive oil gives the lamb chops a delicious and savory flavor, while the oven roasting ensures they stay juicy and tender.
- Versatile and Elegant: This recipe is versatile enough to be served for a casual dinner at home or an holiday meal. It's a great way to impress guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed in the recipe card below.
- Lamb loin chops - This cut of meat is perfect for pan-searing because it's lean and tender, with a delicious flavor. The lamb loin chops are the star of the dish and provide a rich and meaty taste. You can substitute other cuts of lamb, such as lamb rib chops, but cooking may vary.
- Olive oil - This oil adds a delicious flavor to the lamb chops and helps to keep them moist while cooking. Olive oil has a slightly fruity and nutty flavor that complements the lamb well, but you can substitute it with other oils, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
- Salt and black pepper - These seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavor of the lamb chops and giving them a delicious savory taste. Salt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the meat, while black pepper adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.
- Garlic powder or fresh minced garlic - This ingredient adds a delicious and aromatic flavor to the lamb chops. Garlic powder is a convenient and easy-to-use alternative to fresh garlic, but you can use fresh minced garlic if you prefer. You can also substitute other spices or herbs, such as onion powder or rosemary, for a different flavor profile.
- Thyme (optional) - This herb adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the lamb chops. While it's optional, it can add a nice touch to the dish. If you don't have thyme on hand, you can substitute it with other herbs, such as rosemary or oregano.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet - This is an essential piece of equipment for searing the lamb chops on the stove and finishing them in the oven. Make sure the skillet is oven-safe, as it will be transferred to the oven to finish cooking the lamb chops.
- Tongs - Tongs are handy for flipping the lamb chops as they sear in the skillet, and for transferring them from the skillet to the oven.
- Meat thermometer - To ensure that the lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness, it's important to use a meat thermometer. This will help you determine when the lamb chops have reached the desired internal temperature.
- Cutting board - A cutting board is useful for resting the lamb chops before slicing and serving.
- Knife - A sharp knife is needed for slicing the lamb chops and serving them.
How to Make Pan Seared Lamb Loin Chops
To make pan-seared lamb loin chops, start by removing the lamb chops from the fridge and letting them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF.
Drizzle some olive oil on both sides of the lamb chops and season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure it coats the chops evenly.
Next, heat some olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned lamb chops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook the lamb chops for at least 10 minutes for rare, 15 minutes for medium, or 20-22 minutes for well done. To ensure the chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The lamb chops should be removed from the oven when they reach an internal temperature of 125ยฐF for rare, 135ยฐF for medium, or 145ยฐF for well done.
Once the lamb chops are done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chops rest in the skillet for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes for a more tender and flavorful dish. Serve them on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
Variations
- Different seasonings: Instead of using garlic powder and thyme, you can try other seasonings such as rosemary, cumin, paprika, or curry powder to give the dish a different flavor profile.
- Grilled lamb chops: If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can grill the lamb chops instead of pan-searing them. Simply season the chops as directed and grill them over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Herb-crusted lamb chops: For an extra burst of flavor, you can coat the lamb chops in a mixture of chopped herbs such as parsley, mint, and cilantro before pan-searing them. This will give the lamb a crispy crust and a bright, fresh taste.
- Add a sauce: You can serve these lamb chops with a flavorful sauce such as a balsamic reduction, mint pesto, or chimichurri sauce to complement the rich flavor of the meat.
- Substitute the lamb: If you don't have lamb or prefer a different protein, you can use beef, pork, or even chicken instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
FAQ's
Can I use a different cut of lamb?
Yes, you can use other cuts of lamb such as lamb rib chops or lamb shoulder chops. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the chops.
Can I marinate the lamb chops before cooking them?
Yes, you can marinate the lamb chops in your favorite marinade for a few hours before cooking them. This will add extra flavor and help tenderize the meat.
How do I know when the lamb chops are done cooking?
The cooking time will depend on how thick your lamb chops are and how well-done you like them. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chops. For rare, the temperature should be 125ยฐF, for medium-rare it should be 135ยฐF, for medium it should be 145ยฐF, and for well-done it should be 160ยฐF.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute minced fresh garlic for the garlic powder. Use about 1-2 cloves of garlic per 8 lamb chops.
What sides go well with these lamb chops?
You can serve these lamb chops with a variety of sides such as Creamy Red Potato Salad, Green Bean Salad, or Lemon Herb Couscous.
Tips
- Make sure the lamb chops are at room temperature before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming tough.
- Use a good quality olive oil to drizzle on the lamb chops. This will not only add flavor but will also help to prevent the chops from sticking to the skillet.
- Season the lamb chops well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. This will enhance the flavor of the meat and make it more enjoyable.
- When searing the lamb chops, make sure the skillet is hot enough to brown the meat. This will help to seal in the juices and create a delicious crust on the outside.
- When transferring the skillet to the oven, be careful not to burn yourself as the handle will be hot. You can use oven mitts or a thick kitchen towel to handle the skillet.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the lamb chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to check the temperature. For rare, the internal temperature should be around 125-130ยฐF, for medium, it should be around 135-140ยฐF, and for well-done, it should be around 150-155ยฐF.
- Let the lamb chops rest in the pan for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This will help to redistribute the juices and make the meat more tender and juicy.
- Finally, serve the lamb chops hot and enjoy them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Looking for more lamb dishes?
Try my Lamb Pasta Primavera, Grilled Lamb Chops, or Lamb Kofta.
Looking for the perfect sides for these pan seared lamb loin chops?
Try my Creamy Red Potato Salad, Green Bean Salad, or Lemon Herb Couscous.
Did You Make this Recipe?
Please leave a comment and rating below, also let me know what you thought of this recipe. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagramย @Meghanitupย or share it onย Pinterestย so that I can follow along.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? You can also follow along onย Instagramย andย Pinterestย for more recipe updates.
Recipe Card
๐ Recipe
Pan Seared Lamb Loin Chops
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox.ย Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Meghan It Up.
Ingredients
- ยผ cup olive oil โ divided
- 8 lamb loin chops
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยผ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder โ or fresh minced garlic
- ยฝ teaspoon thyme โ optional
- Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Knife
Instructions
- Take out the lamb chops from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Drizzle olive oil on both sides of the lamb chops and season with salt, black pepper (optional), garlic, and thyme.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for at least 10 minutes for rare, 15 minutes for medium, and 20-22 minutes for well done.
- Remove the skillet from the oven, and let the chops rest in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Serve the lamb loin chops hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Lamb loin chops are a lean cut of meat, so be careful not to overcook them as they can become tough and dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 125-155ยฐF, depending on your desired level of doneness.
- You can use either garlic powder or fresh minced garlic in this recipe, depending on your preference. If using fresh garlic, use 2-3 cloves and mince them finely.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the lamb chops to a baking sheet and bake them in the oven instead. Make sure to preheat the baking sheet in the oven before adding the lamb chops to prevent them from sticking.
- If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, you can increase the amount of thyme or add other herbs such as rosemary or oregano.
- If you want to reduce the amount of oil used in this recipe, you can use a non-stick skillet or spray the skillet with cooking spray instead of using additional olive oil.
- Letting the lamb chops rest in the pan after cooking is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
- Leftover lamb chops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF for 10-15 minutes.
Comments
No Comments