Description
These oven-baked lamb chops are incredibly juicy and flavorful, featuring a vibrant herb marinade and a sweet-tart pomegranate glaze. A high-heat oven technique creates a beautiful sear and locks in the delicious juices.
Ingredients
- 1.8 kg (4 lb) bone-in lamb chops: Look for 1–1.5 inch thick loin or rib chops.
- 30 ml (2 Tbsp) olive oil: For flavor and marinade adhesion.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic base for the marinade.
- 30 g (2 Tbsp) rosemary, chopped: Fragrant herb pairing with lamb.
- 5 g (1 Tbsp) mint, chopped: Adds a refreshing lift.
- 5 g (1 tsp) smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth.
- 5 g (1 tsp) cumin: Warm, earthy spice.
- 2.5 g (½ tsp) coriander: Subtle citrusy note.
- 2.5 g (½ tsp) black pepper: Seasoning and heat.
- 5 g (1 tsp) sea salt: Enhances natural flavors.
- 2 g (½ tsp) lemon zest: Bright, citrusy zing.
- 30 ml (2 Tbsp) pomegranate molasses: Sweet-tart glaze.
- 30 g (2 Tbsp) pomegranate arils & 5 g (1 Tbsp) mint: Garnish for sweetness and freshness.
- 150 g (5 oz) Greek yogurt, 15 ml (1 Tbsp) lemon juice, 5 g (1 tsp) honey: For a refreshing mint-yogurt sauce.
Instructions
- Prepare Lamb Chops: Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Make Marinade: Combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, mint, paprika, cumin, coriander, and lemon zest.
- Marinate Lamb: Rub marinade on chops and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat cast-iron skillet in 200°C (400°F) oven for 10 minutes.
- Sear Chops: Sear chops for 2 minutes per side in hot skillet.
- Roast to Perfection: Roast for 8-10 minutes for medium-rare (57°C / 135°F).
- Glaze and Rest: Brush with pomegranate molasses and rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and salt.
- Plate and Garnish: Arrange chops, drizzle sauce, and garnish with arils and mint.
Notes
Using a cast-iron skillet is key for a good sear. Resting the lamb allows juices to redistribute for a more tender chop.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Meat
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg