Greek Lamb Chops
These easy to make pan seared Greek Lamb chops (Paidakia arnisia) are marinated then seared to perfection. They are tender juicy and irresistible. They are beautiful on the grill too. Lamb chops always seem like a fancy dish but they are easier to make than steak and quicker as well. Do you need to marinate them? Not necessarily but I always recommend it. Marinating lamb chops enhances their flavor, and increases their moisture. Even just 1 hour makes a difference. The simple marinade is made with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Classic flavours go into making these simple and delicious lamb chops.
Easy Greek Lamb Chops Recipe Ingredients
- LAMB RIB CHOPS: I recommend a rack of ribs and cut the individual chops yourself (or ask your butcher to do it for you). Some grocery stores like Costco sell them already cut. A full rack of lamb typically has 8 chops, ( which look like a lollipops) which is the amount you’ll need for this recipe. You can also use lamb loin chops as an alternative cut of lamb - which look like mini T-bone steaks. Either one I recommend the chops are about 1-inch thick.
- GARLIC: Fresh garlic is what I use for this recipe. I like to peel and smash them and add them to the marinade that way. They are easier to pick out of the marinade. If you mince or grate them they tend to stick to the lamb chop and burn when they are seared.
- OLIVE OIL: I use extra virgin olive oil for the marinade and usually for searing the chops, but you could use something with a higher smoke point like canola oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil or vegetable oil.
- MUSTARD: I like to use Dijon mustard but yellow prepared mustard works great here too.
- HERBS & SPICES: Apart from salt and pepper, you will need dried oregano and fresh rosemary. You could also do a blend of rosemary and thyme too.
- LEMON ZEST & LEMON JUICE: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest is recommended.
How To Make Pan Seared Lamb Chops
- Marinate Chops: Toss the chops with all the marinade ingredients in a sealable plastic bag or bowl, chill and marinate for 1-3 hours. Remove from fridge 20-30 mins prior to cooking.
- Sear Chops: Heat oil in large skillet and cook searing til golden, 2-4 minutes each side to desired doneness.
- Rest Chops: Once cooked transfer chops to plate, tent with foil and rest 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Serve warm with the lemony herb sauce if desired with any side you like.
Serve These Greek Lamb Chops With:
- Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice)
- Greek-Style Potato Salad
- Easy Greek Pasta Salad
- Greek Quinoa Salad
- Greek Grilled Potatoes
- Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
- Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)
- Greek Roasted Lemon Potatoes (lemonates patates)
- Greek Style Green Bean Salad
- Homemade Tzatziki
Lamb Chops Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing
- MAKE AHEAD: These are quick cooking lamb chops but they are best when marinated for 1-3 hours. Feel free to do so for best results as stated in the recipe. I don’t recommend marinating them for longer than that.
- STORAGE: Cooked lamb chops can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven on low heat.
- FREEZING: Cooked cooled lamb chops can be frozen for 1-3 months in an airtight bag or wrapped individually with plastic wrap and in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or in the oven.
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Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Non Active Time: 1-3 hours for marinating
Total Time: 18 mins (plus marinating time)
Ingredients
For the Lamb Chops
- 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon (or 1 small lemon)
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 rack lamb chops, approximately 8 chops
For the Lemony Herb Sauce (optional)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Cut the lamb chops. Slice the rack of lamb into individual chops. Place the chops along with the smashed garlic in a large ziplock bag or bowl.
- Whisk together remaining marinade ingredients in a small bowl then pour into the bag or bowl with the chops and garlic. Massage the chops and place them in the fridge to marinade for 2-3 hours. (I do not recommend marinating the lamb chops for any longer than that because there’s acid in the marinade, it will begin to break the lamb down and create a mushy texture)
- Take the chops out of the fridge 20-30 mins before you want to cook them so that they come closer to room temperature and allow them to cook evenly. Scrape off any large pieces of garlic or marinade.
- Heat a large non-stick pan or skillet on medium high heat and add about 1-2 tbsp of vegetables oil. Once oil is hot place chops in the pan - I usually do 2-3 at a time or more depending on size of pan (do not crowd then pan - you want to sear not steam them) cook them for 3 minutes on each side for pink in the middle, or 4 minutes per side for well done. Each side should be a nice, deep golden brown. (Feel free to adjust temp if pan is getting too hot and wipe out pan and add more olive oil if needed between batches)
- Once cooked, remove chops from pan and place on pate or cutting board, tent loosely with foil and allow them to rest for 5 -10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and chops stay juicy.
Recipe Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for best results. For medium-rare, aim for internal temperature of 130°F and closer to 145°F for well-done. Be careful to not overcook as that makes the chops tough.
- Grilling Instructions: Heat grill to medium-high heat. Grease grill grates. Place chops on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, flip and cook second side for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and tent with foil, allow to rest before enjoying.
