Quick & Juicy Ina Garten Lamb Chops Recipe for Perfect Dinners

Lamb chops transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences for passionate home cooks seeking bold flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients elevate these succulent meat cuts beyond traditional preparation methods.

Each tender slice promises a delightful journey through aromatic spices and rich textures.

Professional chefs and food enthusiasts appreciate how these lamb chops blend complex seasonings with simple cooking techniques.

Marinating creates deep, nuanced flavor profiles that tantalize taste buds and spark dinner conversations.

The combination of fresh herbs and carefully selected spices ensures a memorable dining moment.

You’ll find this recipe offers a perfect balance between elegance and rustic comfort: get ready to impress your dinner guests.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lamb Chops

• Boost Spice Intensity: Grinding whole coriander seeds with a mortar and pestle releases more essential oils, creating a more vibrant and complex flavor profile for your lamb chops.
• Nail Perfect Temperature Control: Allowing lamb chops to rest at room temperature before grilling ensures even cooking and helps develop a beautiful caramelized exterior when seared.
• Elevate Marinade Complexity: Introducing a splash of white wine into your herb and garlic mixture adds a bright, subtle acidity that will tenderize and enhance the meat's natural richness.
• Master Precise Doneness: Investing in a reliable meat thermometer guarantees your lamb chops hit the perfect internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender meat.
• Optimize Resting Time: After grilling, let lamb chops rest for 5-7 minutes to redistribute internal juices, ensuring each bite remains succulent and packed with intense flavor.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Lamb Chops

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for lamb chops. Remove all air from the packaging to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. Wrap individual portions for convenient future meal prep.
• Marinade Method: Store leftover lamb chops with residual marinade in a shallow, sealed container. Marinade helps preserve moisture and enhances flavor during refrigeration. Keep chops submerged to prevent drying out and maximize taste retention.
• Glass Container Technique: Transfer cooled lamb chops to glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass prevents odor absorption and maintains food quality better than plastic. Stack containers efficiently to maximize refrigerator space and keep meat fresh for up to 3 days.

Delicious Variations on Ina Garten’s Lamb Chops

• Herbal Mediterranean Blend: Swap mint with fresh rosemary and oregano, adding a robust Mediterranean flavor profile while keeping the core marinade technique intact.
• Spicy North African Kick: Replace ground turmeric with harissa paste and add smoked paprika to create a bolder, more intense spice experience that highlights North African culinary traditions.
• Citrus Infusion Version: Incorporate orange zest alongside lemon zest and substitute regular yogurt with blood orange yogurt for a brighter, tangier marinade that enhances the lamb's natural richness.
• Asian-Inspired Marinade: Trade coriander and cumin for ginger, lemongrass, and rice vinegar, transforming the lamb chops into an East Asian-style grilled dish with vibrant, zesty undertones.

Ina Garten’s Lamb Chops: A Tender Feast for Special Occasions

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s signature lamb chops, blending Mediterranean flavors with grilling expertise.

Herbal notes of mint and turmeric dance alongside tangy yogurt marinade, creating a sensational dish.

Mediterranean techniques transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Grilling becomes an art form with these carefully crafted lamb chops, promising restaurant-quality results at home.

Crush this recipe, share its deliciousness across social media, and let everyone experience this gastronomic masterpiece – tag Ina Garten and spread culinary joy!

What Makes Ina Garten’s Lamb Chops an Exceptional Dish

• Infuse Incredible Flavors: This recipe transforms ordinary lamb chops into a flavor explosion by blending aromatic herbs like mint, turmeric, and coriander seeds. The combination creates a complex, multi-layered taste profile that dances on your palate and elevates the meat's natural richness.
• Master Easy Gourmet Grilling: Ina Garten's technique simplifies professional-level cooking with straightforward steps anyone can follow. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the meat while adding a tangy kick, making grilling nearly foolproof and delivering restaurant-quality results at home.
• Quick Elegant Entertaining: These lamb chops require minimal active cooking time yet produce an impressive dish perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Marinating ahead allows hosts to prepare in advance, reducing stress and ensuring delicious results with minimal last-minute effort.
• Healthy Protein Power Meal: Packed with protein and lean meat, these lamb chops offer a nutritious option that doesn't compromise on taste. The herb-infused marinade adds extra nutrients and creates a balanced, wholesome dish that feels indulgent while supporting wellness goals.

Key Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Lamb Chops

• Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and pungent flavor to the marinade.
• Mint: Fresh herb that brings a bright, cooling element to the lamb.
• Ground Turmeric: Earthy spice with a warm, golden color and subtle flavor.
• Coriander Seeds: Provides a citrusy, nutty undertone to the marinade.
• Ground Cumin: Adds warm, smoky depth to the spice blend.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes and enhances overall flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend the marinade and adds richness.

• Lamb Chops: Tender cut of meat that absorbs marinades beautifully, best when fresh and high-quality.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that tenderizes the meat and adds tangy flavor.
• Sriracha: Spicy sauce that introduces heat and complexity to the marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.

• Charcoal: Provides intense, smoky flavor for grilling.

How to Cook Ina Garten’s Lamb Chops

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• 3 garlic cloves
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ground turmeric
• Coriander seeds
• Ground cumin
• Lemon zest
• Pinch of kosher salt

Blend until smooth, then slowly drizzle olive oil while pulsing to create a harmonious mixture.

Step 2: Coat Lamb with Delicious Layers

• Greek yogurt
• Sriracha sauce
• Fresh lemon juice

Arrange lamb chops in a dish and generously cover with the garlic-herb marinade. Pour the yogurt mixture over the chops, ensuring complete coverage. Wrap and refrigerate for 6-24 hours to let flavors mingle and intensify.

Step 3: Prepare Grill for Cooking

Fire up your charcoal grill until it reaches high heat. Lightly brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and create perfect grill marks.

Step 4: Grill Lamb to Perfection

Position lamb chops 5-6 inches above hot coals. Grill yogurt-side up for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Aim for medium-rare doneness with a beautifully caramelized exterior.

Step 5: Rest and Plate Your Masterpiece

Transfer grilled lamb chops to a clean plate. Loosely tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute.

Ina Garten Lamb Chops Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lamb chops from Ina Garten’s kitchen bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Rosemary, garlic, and lemon create a simple yet elegant marinade that elevates this classic protein into a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 racks of lamb (6 to 7 ribs each), cut into chops
• 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) good olive oil, plus extra for the grill

Spices and Seasonings:

• 6 large garlic cloves
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• Kosher salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons Sriracha

Fresh Herbs and Liquid Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves, julienned
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Craft the aromatic marinade by combining minced garlic, fresh mint leaves, ground turmeric, crushed coriander seeds, ground cumin, and lemon zest in a food processor. Sprinkle kosher salt and pulse until the mixture forms a smooth consistency. Slowly incorporate 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) of extra-virgin olive oil, blending until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
2. Arrange lamb chops in a non-reactive dish, generously coating each piece with the herb-infused mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk Greek yogurt with Sriracha sauce and freshly squeezed lemon juice until uniformly blended. Spread the yogurt marinade evenly over the lamb chops, ensuring complete coverage. Seal the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, allowing flavors to intensify (up to 24 hours for maximum depth).
3. Prepare the charcoal grill, heating until coals reach high temperature. Lightly brush grill grates with cooking oil to prevent meat from adhering and facilitate elegant grill marks.
4. Position lamb chops 5 to 6 inches (12.7 to 15.24 centimeters) above hot coals. Grill with yogurt-coated side facing upward for 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully flip chops and continue grilling for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, targeting medium-rare doneness with a beautiful caramelized exterior.
5. Remove grilled lamb chops and transfer to a clean serving plate. Loosely tent with aluminum foil, allowing meat to rest for 10 minutes. This crucial resting period enables internal juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Serve immediately alongside couscous or preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Unlock the secret to restaurant-quality lamb chops with this foolproof Mediterranean-inspired marinade that transforms ordinary meat into a gourmet experience.
• Overnight marinating works magic, allowing yogurt and spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the lamb, creating melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Charcoal grilling adds an irresistible smoky depth that elevates the herb-infused meat beyond typical backyard cooking.
• Flexibility is key – swap herbs, adapt to bone-in or boneless cuts, and experiment with accompanying sides like tzatziki or couscous.
• Mastering the medium-rare doneness guarantees juicy, flavorful lamb chops that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 533 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg