Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce
There is no doubt that the quickest dinner is grilled lamb chops. Marinated and served with a classic mint sauce these take just 10 minutes to cook. Ideal for an elegant or a festive dinner when you have guests. Also, the lamb chops can be marinated overnight leaving you enough time to take care of other things.
Lamb is an expensive cut of meat, so usually, we leave lamb chops, leg of lamb and lamb shoulder recipes for special occasions. Lamb is our family’s favorite, more than chicken, beef or fish. Besides, there is so much you can do with lamb. Right?
When I can’t think of what to do with meat, I think about grilling!! When I am short on time to cook, I choose to grill. And if it’s summer, my first choice for cooking meat is grilling. Well, not just because it’s fast, but also because I can marinate the meat ahead of time, leaving me enough time to get other things done.
About this Grilled Lamb Chops
The best part about this recipe is that it’s easy to make. I truly believe that when it comes to good meat, less is more. So, instead of overpowering it with spices, I let the meat speak for itself.
The mint sauce works as a marinade, as well as the sauce to serve later. Mint and lamb is a classic combination and if you can’t decide what to do with lamb, error on the side of mint and everyone will be happy. The mint-sauce is as easy as putting everything in the food processor. Use half of the amount for the marinade and save the other half to serve as the sauce later.
I have served these with classic mashed potatoes and broccoli. And yet, there are so many other things you can serve on the side. Below, I will give you some of my favorites.
Let’s talk ingredients and substitute (Save/Pin)
- Onion – I love using red onions in this because they are sweeter, and when caramelized they really can add so much more.
- Ginger – To me, any red meat can benefit from the warmth of ginger. I think it truly brings out the meat. And combined with garlic. They are truly a great punch.
- Parsley– You can use all mint, and yet I find that to be too much mint. So, I use half parsley and half mint. I often replace the parsley with cilantro. I like the smoky, pungent flavor of cilantro.
- Paprika – I love a little hot paprika. But often, I will use sweet smoked paprika in this. I love the smoky flavor and the kids love the sweet paprika.
Useful Tips and Tools
- I use a small food processor to blend the marinade together.
- I love to use a grill pan with grids when possible, so you get some grill marks on the meat.
How to Make Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce (Save/Pin)
Prepare marinade and sauce
- Place all the marinade ingredients in a food processor and grind to a smooth paste.
- Divide into 2 – leave one for later, to serve with the grilled lamb chops.
- Brush the rest of the marinade over the lamb chops.
- Leave the chops to marinate – an hour to overnight works great.
Grill the chops
- Thaw the lamb chops for at least an hour at room temperature.
- Heat a grill or heavy-bottom skillet on high heat. I like using my grill pan for the lines.
- Once hot, turn the heat to medium, not too high.
- Place the lamb chop on the grill pan and do not touch them as they will stick.
- Cook the first side for about 3 to 4 minutes depending on the thickness.
- Then flip and cook on the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes, again depending on the thickness.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Serve with the remaining mint-sauce that we have prepared earlier.
5 Tips for the Perfect Grilled Lamb Chops (Save/Pin)
- When affordable, buy thicker lamb chops, also called ribs or first cut – these are expensive, but boy do they taste delish.
- Thaw the lamb chops for at least an hour bringing them to room temperature before you cook them. Why? Always cook meat at room temperature so the meat will not seize due to the intense heat. Cooking cold meat on the hot grill can cause the meat to seize and become tough.
- Lamb chops do well when marinated well and given enough time for the marinade to sink in. Additionally, use your hands to make sure the marinade covers the chop well. If necessary, make extra marinade and let the chops get drunk.
- Choose the right cooking method for the right size of meat. For example,
- If you have thin delicate lamb chops – grill them on high heat for as little time as possible. Or cook them on the stovetop.
- For thicker lamb chops, also called shoulder or rainbow chops – start on the stovetop then finish them off in the oven. That way they do not dry out.
- Lamb chops should be served as soon as they are made with a rest time of no more than 5 to 8 minutes otherwise they become chewy.
Frequently asked questions
This actually depends on how you like to eat your meat. Ideally, touch with your finger.
If you like it medium-rare, it should give easily when touched – about 6 to 8 minutes with an internal temperature of 120 to 125 F.
If you like it medium, it should be firmer when touched – about 8 to 10 minutes with an internal temperature between 130 to 145 F.
I would not recommend going past medium when cooking.
Absolutely, it’s the best thing you can do for lamb chops. Let the meat absorb as much flavor overnight.
For medium-rare – the internal temperature of 120 to 125 F.
For medium – internal temperature between 130 to 145 F.
I would not recommend going past the medium when cooking lamb chops.
Absolutely. If you like balsamic then I have a delicious Lamb Chops with Balsamic Glaze
I love to serve lamb chops on a bed of mashed potatoes with the mint sauce. And yet, you can also serve it with my rice pilaf with dried fruit and nuts. A side salad and some roast potatoes or patties are always a great addition.
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Grilled Lamb Chops with Cilantro-Mint Sauce
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Ingredients
FOR THE LAMB MARINADE
- 8 (8 ) Lamb chops
MINT MARINADE AND SAUCE
- 1/2 cup (1/2 cup) Mint leaves
- 1/4 cup (1/4 cup) Parsley or Cilantro leaves
- 1 (1 ) Garlic clove
- 1/2 inch (1/2 inch) Ginger
- 2 tbsp (2 tbsp) Lemon Juice
- 3 tbsp (3 tbsp) Olive Oil
- 1/4 (1/4 ) Onion small
- 1/2 tsp (1/2 tsp) Salt
- 1/2 tsp (1/2 tsp) Pepper
Instructions
PREPARE MARINADE AND SAUCE
- Place all the marinade ingredients in a food processor and grind to a smooth paste.
- Divide into 2 – leave one for later to serve with the grilled lamb chops.
- Brush the rest of the marinade over the lamb chops.
- Leave the chops to marinate – an hour to overnight works great.
GRILL THE CHOPS
- Thaw the lamb chops for at least an hour at room temperature.
- Heat a grill or heavy-bottom skillet on high heat. I like using my grill pan for the lines.
- Once hot, turn the heat to medium, not too high.
- Place the lamb chop on and do not touch them as they will stick.
- Cook on one side for about 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the thickness.
- Then flip and cook on the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes, again depending on the thickness.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Serve with the remaining mint-sauce we prepared earlier.
Recipe Video
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Nutrition Information
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Katie
Made this for the family and it was a hit!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Kathi. So happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback
Erika
I’ve never tried mint sauce, but it looks amazing with these pork chops.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Erika. I hope you try this.
Leslie
Lamb is my favorite, and I can never turn down a good lamb chops recipe. Thanks for the tip on cold meat seizing on the grill. I’ve never heard of that one before.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Leslie.
Jordin
10 minute cook time? I’m all ears! I love quick dinners like this one for the weeknights! Can’t wait to try this out
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Jordin. Definitely perfect for any day
Kathryn
Mint and lamb are just made to go together. I’ve never had it with cilantro before though, that was delicious!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Kathryn. So happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback
Clayton
I tried homemade lamb for the first time with this recipe. We love cilantro and this was so good!! Thank you
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Clayton. So happy to hear you had success with this recipe and that you enjoyed it. Thank you for coming back to write this feedback. Have a wonderful weekend.
Anne
I have not had lamb chops in a long time! This recipe is making me want to change that. I bet cilantro and mint taste delicious together!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Anne. Yes I know what you mean. Time to make lamb chops.
Veronika's Kitchen
We are such fans of lamb chops, especially my hubby!) I love the idea of making cilantro mint sauce, it should give so many delicious and fresh flavors!)
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Veronika. Yes, we love lamb chops with mint and cilantro. You must try.
Jessica (Swanky Recipes)
It’s been awhile since I’ve had lamb chops but my dad makes the most amazing kind! Usually, I make lamb kebabs but I want to try this recipe for a trip down memory lane!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Jessica. yes, you must try this. We love kebabs too. This is different.
Kim @ Berly's Kitchen
My son loves lamb. We’ve never made lamb chops, so this is a dish we should try. The cilantro mint sauce sounds amazing, and it’s a great pairing with the meat.
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely must try Kim. Let me know what you think.
Andrea
Thanks for sharing so many tips for grilling lamb! Absolutely love the coriander and mint combo, they pair so well with lamb!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Andrea. Definitely pairs well with lamb.
prasanna hede
That cilantro and mint sauce is really good,I usually make something similar to marinate chicken.Loved this recipe.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Prasana. Yes, I love cilantro and mint with lamb. Definitely the right falvors
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens
You had me right off the bat, with your description of “15 minutes and perfect for entertaining … simple, easy and effortless”!You’re definitely speaking my language there! Loved your terrific ingredient tips and substitution suggestions, and also your great info about how to perfectly cook the lamb chops, depending on their size. Really useful, informative post!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Shelly. Yes, not many people realize that it is really so quick and easy to make chops.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
Your grilled lamb chops look so delicious! I love mint with my lamb but never thought of adding cilantro! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Elaine. Cilantro and mint are a perfect combination with Lamb. You must try.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
Lamb Chops and mint sauce is seriously one of my favourite things ever!! I have never tried the mint sauce with cilantro, but it sounds pretty tasty!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Cathleen. Yes, lamb mint and even cilantro are a great combination – you must try.
aditi bahl
just look at those delicious chops. They look juicy and very moist. That’s what i loved about this recipe the most. i love mint in summers. This recipe is just perfect to make now. Thanks for sharing.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Aidti. Yes, they are sure juicy and moist. Perfect for summer grills
Jyothi (Jo)
Lamb chops looks absolutely delicious. Sunday afternoon with lamb chops are amazing
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Jyothi. Yes, I agree, the weekend with lambs jobs are definitely a treat.
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I love easy to prepare dinners. And this cilantro mint sauce sounds amazing..But it would be good on other things as well.
Veena Azmanov
Definitely Stephanie.. The sauce goes with so many other dishes. Thanks
Luci {Luci's Morsels}
I love the flavor and texture of lamb, but sadly I don’t cook it very often. This recipe has inspired me to give it a go! Thanks!
Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Veena Azmanov
Aww thanks Luci – I hope you try it. Let me know when you do.
Michelle
That sauce sounds so delicious! Yes, you might as well really enjoy them when you make the splurge.
Veena Azmanov
Thankyouu Michelle. Yes the sauce is very versatile and goes with so much more
Julie
This would be a good recipe for a dinner party.
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely!! Great dinner party menu for sure
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours
Lamb is such a good meat, and great for a good wholesome meal. Your recipe idea is sounding delicous, really like the sound of all the flavours. Perfect with mash and greens. Spot on.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Helen. I do love a good mash and beans with these. Thanks