Serve the chops with mashed potatoes or polenta to catch the pools of sauce. Lamb chops are smaller than similar cuts of beef or pork, so plan on two loin chops or two or three rib chops per person.How To Cook Lamb Chops
SERVES4 (2 chops per person)
INGREDIENTS
- 8
lamb loin or rib chops (1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon
chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus 1 large sprig
- 3/4 teaspoon
kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons
unsalted butter, divided
- 1
small shallot, finely chopped
- 1
large garlic clove, smashed
- 1/2 cup
dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon
freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon
finely grated lemon zest
EQUIPMENT
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Microplane
Citrus reamer
12-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet
Wooden spoon
Tongs
Plate
Heavy-duty aluminum foil
INSTRUCTIONS
Season the lamb. Remove the lamb chops from the refrigerator and massage the chopped thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and pepper into the meat. Set the lamb chops aside at room temperature for 5 minutes.
Cook the lamb. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lamb chops and cook until a rich, brown crust forms on the bottom, 4 to 6 minutes (if you're using thicker lamb chops, this could take up to 10 minutes).
Turn the lamb. Flip the lamb chops and continue to cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 145°F, 4 to 6 minutes more.
Transfer to a plate. Transfer the lamb chops to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat.
Cook the shallot, garlic, and thyme. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the shallot, garlic, and thyme sprig to the pan and cook until shallot softens and begins to brown, about 1 minute.
Deglaze the pan. Deglaze with the wine or broth and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Finish the sauce. Cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons butter. Cook until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Pour the sauce over the lamb chops and serve immediately.
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