Description
This easy baked lamb chops recipe delivers tender, flavorful lamb perfectly seared and oven-baked to your preferred doneness. Marinated with aromatic herbs, garlic, smoked paprika, and red bell pepper, these chops are full of depth and deliciousness. Ideal for a satisfying dinner, they come together quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Lamb Chops
- 8 Lamb Chops, medium size
Marinade and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Oregano, dried
- ½ teaspoon Onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Thyme, dried
- ½ tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 3-4 Garlic cloves
- ½ Red bell pepper
- Fresh Parsley, for garnish
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup Olive oil (plus about 2 tablespoons for searing)
- Juice from ½ Lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Pepper & Herb Mix: Roughly process or blend the ½ red bell pepper, fresh parsley, and garlic using a food processor or chopper until they form a coarse mixture.
- Cut the Lamb Chops: Using a chopping board, divide the lamb rack into 8 individual chops, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Marinate the Lamb: Transfer the lamb chops into a bowl. Add the chopped red bell pepper mixture along with black pepper, salt, dried oregano, onion powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all chops are well coated with the marinade.
- Rest and Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap and let the lamb marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Before cooking, bring the chops back to room temperature for even cooking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sear the Lamb Chops: Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until very hot. Sear each lamb chop on both sides for 1-2 minutes to develop a flavorful crust. Do this in batches if your skillet cannot hold all chops at once, wiping it clean between batches.
- Bake in the Oven: Arrange the seared lamb chops in a single layer in the cast iron skillet without overlapping. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 2-5 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, or 5-10 minutes for medium-well to well-done. Repeat for remaining chops if necessary.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the lamb chops to a serving plate immediately to prevent further cooking. Allow the chops to rest for 3-5 minutes to retain their juices and tenderness.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dish and dipping sauce. Enjoy your perfectly cooked baked lamb chops!
Notes
- Ensure lamb chops are cut evenly to guarantee uniform cooking.
- Feel free to add your favorite seasonings to customize the flavor.
- The longer the marination, the more flavorful the lamb becomes.
- Bring lamb chops to room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.
- Do not overcrowd the pan or overlap chops during searing or baking to ensure proper cooking.
- Allow the baked chops to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
