Lamb Lollipops Recipe
Lamb Lollipops Recipe
Table of Contents
Lamb Lollipops Recipe
This delicious lamb lollipops recipe makes a perfect appetizer or main course. With a crispy, seared crust and tender, juicy interior, these lamb chops are packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or a quick and elegant meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Description:
If you’re a fan of lamb or simply looking to try something new, this lamb lollipops recipe will elevate your cooking game and make any dinner extra special. Often found on the menus of high end restaurants, Lamb Lollipops Recipe are small, tender cuts of lamb rib chops, also known as “Lamb Lollipops Recipe” for their convenient bone “handle.” This recipe delivers lamb chops with a golden brown sear on the outside and a tender, juicy center, finished with a touch of fresh herbs and a garlic infused olive oil drizzle. These lamb lollipops are versatile and easy to prepare, ideal for anyone who loves a great lamb dish. Pair them with sides like roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
Ingredients
- 8 lamb rib chops (lamb lollipops), French trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lamb: Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Allow them to rest for about 5 minutes while you prepare the garlic herb oil.
- Prepare the Garlic Herb Oil: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Add the lemon zest and Dijon mustard (if using) for a bit of extra tangy flavor. Stir the ingredients well to combine.
- Sear the Lamb Lollipops: Heat a large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the lamb lollipops in the pan. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare, or adjust the cooking time to your preferred level of doneness. Flip the lamb lollipops only once to achieve a nice, golden brown crust on each side.
- Add the Garlic Herb Oil: In the last minute of cooking, add the prepared garlic herb oil to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the oil over the lamb chops, coating them well. This will infuse the lamb with the flavors of garlic and herbs. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lamb lollipops from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint if desired. Serve the lamb lollipops immediately while warm. They pair wonderfully with roasted potatoes, a side of couscous, or a simple green salad.
Notes
- Choosing the Lamb Chops: For the best lamb lollipops, select lamb rib chops that are uniform in thickness. French trimmed chops are ideal for presentation and easier handling.
- Resting the Meat: Allowing the lamb chops to rest after cooking is crucial for tenderness. Cutting into the meat too early will release the juices and can make the meat dry.
- Adjusting Cook Time: Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your lamb chops. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer if you’re aiming for a specific internal temperature (e.g., 145°F for medium rare).
- Marinade Option: For more flavor, marinate the lamb chops in the garlic herb oil mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. This will make the lamb even more flavorful and tender.
- Serving Suggestions: Lamb lollipops are versatile and go well with a range of sides. Consider serving them with creamy mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Lamb Lollipops Recipe
This delicious lamb lollipops recipe makes a perfect appetizer or main course. With a crispy, seared crust and tender, juicy interior, these lamb chops are packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or a quick and elegant meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 8 lamb rib chops lamb lollipops, French trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, for added flavor
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Lamb: Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Allow them to rest for about 5 minutes while you prepare the garlic herb oil.
- Prepare the Garlic Herb Oil: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Add the lemon zest and Dijon mustard (if using) for a bit of extra tangy flavor. Stir the ingredients well to combine.
- Sear the Lamb Lollipops: Heat a large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the lamb lollipops in the pan. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare, or adjust the cooking time to your preferred level of doneness. Flip the lamb lollipops only once to achieve a nice, golden brown crust on each side.
- Add the Garlic Herb Oil: In the last minute of cooking, add the prepared garlic herb oil to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the oil over the lamb chops, coating them well. This will infuse the lamb with the flavors of garlic and herbs. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lamb lollipops from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint if desired. Serve the lamb lollipops immediately while warm. They pair wonderfully with roasted potatoes, a side of couscous, or a simple green salad.
Notes
- Choosing the Lamb Chops: For the best lamb lollipops, select lamb rib chops that are uniform in thickness. French trimmed chops are ideal for presentation and easier handling.
- Resting the Meat: Allowing the lamb chops to rest after cooking is crucial for tenderness. Cutting into the meat too early will release the juices and can make the meat dry.
- Adjusting Cook Time: Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your lamb chops. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer if you’re aiming for a specific internal temperature (e.g., 145°F for medium rare).
- Marinade Option: For more flavor, marinate the lamb chops in the garlic herb oil mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. This will make the lamb even more flavorful and tender.
- Serving Suggestions: Lamb lollipops are versatile and go well with a range of sides. Consider serving them with creamy mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.
