Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce Recipe
Tender and flavorful grilled lamb chops marinated in a fresh cilantro-mint sauce, perfect for a delicious and aromatic meal. The marinade doubles as a dipping sauce, enhancing the rich taste of the lamb with bright herbs and subtle spices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Lamb and Marinade
- 1 rack of lamb (about 8 individual chops)
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¾ cup fresh cilantro
- ½ cup fresh mint, tightly packed
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 shallot
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Slice the lamb: Cut the rack of lamb into 8 individual chops to prepare for marinating and grilling.
- Prepare the marinade: In a blender, combine olive oil, fresh cilantro, fresh mint, white wine vinegar, garlic cloves, shallot, lemon juice, honey, kosher salt, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Pulse until the mixture is somewhat smooth with finely minced shallot and garlic.
- Marinate the lamb: Pour ¼ cup of the cilantro-mint dressing into a ziplock bag with the lamb chops. Seal the bag and ensure the chops are well-coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Reserve the sauce: Keep the remaining dressing covered in the refrigerator to be used later as a dipping sauce.
- Preheat the grill: Clean and oil your grill and heat it to 400°F (204°C) to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Grill the lamb chops: Place the marinated lamb chops directly onto the grill. Grill each side for about 4 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest the meat: Remove the grilled lamb chops from heat and tent them loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Plate the lamb chops and serve with the reserved cilantro-mint sauce as a flavorful dipping accompaniment.
Notes
- Marinating the lamb overnight intensifies the herbaceous flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- For different levels of doneness, adjust grilling time accordingly (e.g., 140°F for medium).
- If a grill is unavailable, you can also cook the lamb chops in a hot skillet or under a broiler.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in the marinade and sauce.
- Resting the meat after grilling ensures juicy and tender chops.
