Ah, lamb chops! Just the thought of them sizzling on the grill makes my heart skip a beat. I stumbled upon this harissa-infused recipe while scrolling through my feed last summer, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The spicy kick of harissa mixed with the smoky grill marks creates a symphony of flavors that’s both bold and comforting, like a favorite song that you never quite get tired of.
Steps
- Place the lamb chops in a large bowl and pour fresh lemon juice over them.
- Add crushed garlic, ground cumin, and harissa to the bowl, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the lamb marinate for at least 1 hour, or leave it overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Spray oil on the grill rack or grill pan, then preheat the grill or pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the lamb chops for about 4 to 6 minutes on each side. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare, or cook longer if you prefer them more well done.
Ingredients
- 8 lamb loin chops on the bone, approximately 3.5 ounces each, trimmed of all fat
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons harissa, store-bought or homemade (such as Mina Harissa)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 800 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 116 g | Fat: 32 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 364 mg | Sodium: 596 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 4 g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat with this marinade?
- Absolutely! If lamb isn’t your preference, this marinade would work well on a lean steak, such as flank steak.
- What if I don’t have a grill? How can I cook these lamb chops?
- If a grill or grill pan isn’t available, you can easily cook the lamb chops in a skillet or under the broiler.
- How do I determine the nutritional information for lamb chops on the bone?
- It’s a bit tricky because the nutritional info typically only covers the meat. I found that the bone weighs about 1 oz, so you might need to subtract that from the total weight of the chops to get an accurate measure.
- How long should I marinate the lamb chops?
- You should marinate them for at least an hour, but they can be left to marinate overnight for more intense flavor.
- What is the correct internal temperature for lamb chops?
- For medium-rare lamb chops, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. Adjust the cooking time if you prefer your meat more well done.
Tips
- For optimal flavor, allow the lamb chops to marinate for at least an hour, but if possible, let them soak overnight to really absorb the marinade.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook the lamb chops in a skillet or under the broiler for a similar result.
- To ensure your lamb chops are cooked to your preferred doneness, use an instant-read thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
- When preparing lamb chops, remember to account for the weight of the bone if calculating nutritional information. Consider weighing the chops after trimming to get a more accurate measure of the meat.
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Instant-Read Thermometer
