If you’re looking to truly wow your friends or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home, look no further than Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce. This dish brings together juicy, perfectly grilled lamb with a fresh, zesty sauce that will brighten every bite. The tender chops are loaded with herby depth and a subtle kick of garlic, while the mint sauce adds a pop of color and that unmistakable herbal freshness. Whether you’re new to cooking lamb or it’s already a favorite, this recipe instantly upgrades any dinner to something memorable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce lies in its simplicity, letting each ingredient truly shine. Every spice, herb, and seasoning works together to create the perfect balance of savory, juicy, and aromatic flavors—plus that vibrant emerald green sauce to tie it all together!
- Lamb Chops: For ultimate tenderness, use rib or loin chops about 1 inch thick—these grill beautifully and stay juicy.
- Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps both the marinade and sauce cling to every bite.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavor of the lamb.
- Black Pepper: Provides a gentle heat that pairs perfectly with lamb.
- Garlic Powder: Adds mellow garlicky depth to the meat without overpowering it.
- Dried Rosemary: Classic with lamb, rosemary gives the chops an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Mint Leaves: The star of the sauce, mint brings garden-fresh brightness and pairs famously with lamb.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and deep green color to the sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: Because garlic and mint together are a total flavor bomb in the sauce!
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess that cuts through the richness of the lamb chops.
- Honey: Just a touch rounds out the sauce with subtle sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper (for sauce): Season the sauce to your taste so every spoonful pops.
How to Make Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Grill or Grill Pan
Start by preheating your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. This gets the surface hot enough to give your lamb chops a gorgeous sear and that irresistible smoky flavor. If you’re using a skillet instead, get it nice and hot so you can lock in all those juices!
Step 2: Pat and Season the Lamb
Use paper towels to pat the lamb chops dry—this is key for even browning. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried rosemary. Rub this aromatic mixture all over the lamb chops, then let them sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes. This quick rest helps them cook evenly and soak up all those lovely flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Mint Sauce
While the lamb is marinating, whip up your Garlic Mint Sauce! In a bowl, combine the finely chopped mint leaves, parsley, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until well-blended, and set the sauce aside to let those flavors mingle.
Step 4: Grill the Lamb Chops
Place the seasoned lamb chops onto the hot grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side for a lovely medium-rare (aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F/54–57°C). Flip them only once to get that beautiful caramelized crust! If you prefer your lamb a bit more done, simply add another minute or two per side.
Step 5: Rest and Sauce
Transfer the cooked lamb chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes—this keeps them extra juicy. Just before serving, generously spoon the homemade Garlic Mint Sauce over each chop and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce
Garnishes
For a fresh and inviting finish, scatter a few extra mint or parsley leaves on top of your Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce. A twirl of lemon zest or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt also adds visual appeal and brings out even more vibrant flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these lamb chops with classic Mediterranean sides—think fluffy couscous, roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, or a crisp cucumber salad. The brightness of the Garlic Mint Sauce really shines when paired with simple, wholesome vegetables or grains.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce family-style on a rustic cutting board with the sauce drizzled all around. For a fancier plating, stack two chops “double-cut” style, lean them against a pile of roasted veggies, and drizzle with plenty of gleaming green sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers just as tasty the next day! Keep the sauce separate for best results.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked lamb chops for up to two months; just wrap each chop tightly and place in a freezer bag. While the Garlic Mint Sauce is best fresh, you can freeze it in a small airtight container if needed—just note that the herbs will lose some of their brightness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm lamb chops in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 10–12 minutes, to avoid overcooking. For the sauce, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir, or add a little extra olive oil to revive its texture.
FAQs
Can I cook Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, a grill pan or even a cast iron skillet on the stovetop works beautifully for this dish.
What cuts of lamb work best for this recipe?
Rib chops and loin chops are both excellent choices. They’re tender, cook quickly, and deliver spectacular results with this Garlic Mint Sauce.
Can I make the garlic mint sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and stir before serving to freshen it up.
How do I know when lamb chops are done?
A meat thermometer is your best friend; medium-rare is ideal for lamb chops at 130–135°F (54–57°C). The meat should be slightly springy to the touch and blush pink inside.
Is it possible to make Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mint sauce for a subtle heat, or serve with a side of harissa for those who love extra spice.
Final Thoughts
Few dinners feel as celebratory and packed with flavor as Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce. With its perfectly tender lamb and vibrant green sauce, it’s sure to become your go-to for casual nights in or special occasions. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy and utterly delicious it is!
Print
Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Juicy and flavorful lamb chops with a refreshing garlic mint sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. These grilled lamb chops are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then topped with a zesty mint sauce for a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Lamb Chops:
- 8 lamb chops (rib or loin, about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
For the Garlic Mint Sauce:
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Season Lamb Chops: Pat lamb chops dry and coat with a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
- Prepare Garlic Mint Sauce: Mix together chopped mint, parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Grill Lamb Chops: Grill for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Rest the chops for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon garlic mint sauce over the lamb chops before serving.
Notes
- You can also sear the lamb chops in a cast iron skillet.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chops with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
