Description
Pan-seared lamb chops cooked to perfection and finished with a bright lemon-thyme butter sauce. This elegant dish is full of rich flavor and makes for an impressive yet approachable main course.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 lamb chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (plus 1 sprig for sauce)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Remove the lamb chops from the refrigerator. Massage the chopped thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper into the meat. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add lamb chops and cook until a brown crust forms on the bottom, 4–6 minutes (up to 10 minutes for thicker chops).
- Flip the lamb chops and continue to cook until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F in the thickest part, 4–6 minutes more.
- Transfer lamb chops to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of rendered fat from the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add shallot, garlic, and thyme sprig to the skillet. Cook until shallot softens and starts to brown, about 1 minute.
- Deglaze with wine or broth and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Cook until reduced by half, about 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in lemon zest, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons butter. Cook until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning. Pour sauce over lamb chops and serve immediately.
Notes
- Letting lamb come to room temperature ensures even cooking.
- For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Resting lamb under foil keeps it juicy and tender.
- Use a thermometer for perfect doneness (145°F for medium-rare).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb chop with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 100mg