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.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Pan-seared
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Halal
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).