Grilling always makes meals taste better and these Rosemary Basil Grilled Lamb Chops are no exception. Just a simple rosemary basil paste seasons the lamb chops, then they're grilled to perfection. An easy dinner with little cleanup makes these perfect for weeknight dinners but delicious enough for entertaining.
Grilled Lamb Chops
This rosemary lamb chops recipe was actually the first recipe I ever posted on 2CM. And I must admit, even after all these years, the family is still crazy about them.
It's a great recipe to make for quick weeknight dinners and special enough to show off when entertaining. To me, lamb chops are like a nice steak, meaty and tender, rich and juicy. And they pair perfectly with the same side dishes as steak.
First, you've got to find some nice thick, high-quality lamb chops. I like to get mine at Costco and I've never been disappointed yet with their selection. When I saw these lamb chops the other day, I knew it was time to make this recipe again with some easy step-by-step directions.
Secondly, you've got to know how to cook them and I've got the tips for you so they come out perfect every time.
What to Know about Cooking Loin Lamb Chops
How do you know when lamb is done?
Lamb is best when cooked to medium rare. It should be very pink in the center and brown on the outside. Checking with a meat thermometer is the most accurate and should read between 140-145 degrees.
What temperature should the grill be at to cook lamb chops?
Heat the grill to medium-high heat about 400-450 degrees.
Is it OK to cook lamb chops well done?
I wouldn't advise cooking the meat that much as it will be gray and chewy. If you are worrying about bacteria, any temperature above 125 degrees will safely destroy them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Lamb Chops
What's the best cut of lamb to get for this recipe?
There are 3 cuts of lamb chops, the loin cut, rib chops and shoulder chops. I prefer the loin chops as they are meatier than rib chops, more like a T-bone steak, and easier to cook properly on the grill.
Can you marinate the lamb chops overnight?
Yes, you can easily prepare the paste and spread on them the night before. Just cover tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to heat the grill.
Why is my lamb chewy?
The meat has been cooked too long therefore making it rubbery. Make sure to cook the lamb just to a medium-rare state for the juiciest, tenderest result.
How to Cook Rosemary Basil Grilled Lamb Chops
- Gather ingredients - lamb chops, rosemary, basil, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and salt and pepper. (photo 1)
- In a small bowl, combine chopped rosemary, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. (photo 2)
- Add olive oil. (photo 3)
- Stir and start to coat lamb chops on both sides, pressing paste into meat. (photo 4)
- Well-coated lamb chops. (photo 5)
- Place in a ziploc bag and marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. (photo 6)
- Grill lamb chops for 5 minutes on each side, then another 4-5 minutes per side until an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees is reached.
Check out that perfectly done bite of deliciousness! It's a great meal to have to add variety to your normal rotation of chicken, fish and beef dinners. Enjoy!
Side Dishes to Accompany Your Lamb Chops
- Broccoli Quinoa Salad with spinach and green onion.
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with ham.
- Grilled Grits from Platter Talk
- The Crispiest Roasted Potatoes from What a Girl Eats
More Grilled Meat Recipes
- Grilled Filet Mignon with herb butter.
- Grilled London Broil marinated in Italian dressing.
- Grilled Salmon with red pepper sauce.
Find lots of easy grilling recipes here on 2CM!
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Rosemary Basil Grilled Lamb Chops
Ingredients
- ⅛ cup olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary chopped
- 1-2 garlic clove minced
- ½ lemon zested
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4 loin lamb chops about 1-½" thick
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (350-450 degrees).
- In a small bowl, mix everything but the lamb chops. Stir to combine.
- Pat the rosemary-basil paste on both sides of the lamb chops and place in re-sealable plastic bag.
- Marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Can also do this prep the night before.
- Remove the lamb chops from bag and place directly on preheated grill and cook for 18-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Chops will be medium-rare when using 1-½" thick chops.
- Let rest 3-5 minutes then serve.
Notes
What to Know about Cooking Loin Lamb Chops
How do you know when lamb is done?
Lamb is best when cooked to medium rare. It should be very pink in the center and brown on the outside. Checking with a meat thermometer is the most accurate and should read between 140-145 degrees.What temperature should the grill be at to cook lamb chops?
Heat the grill to medium-high heat about 400-450 degrees.Is it OK to cook lamb chops well done?
I wouldn't advise cooking the meat that much as it will be gray and chewy. If you are worrying about bacteria, any temperature above 125 degrees will safely destroy them.Nutrition
This post has been updated with new photos and step-by-step directions. It was first published on May 7, 2013.
