Authentic Greek Marinated Lamb Chops (Paidakia)
Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with these succulent marinated lamb chops, known as Paidakia. This dish showcases tender lamb grilled to perfection, infused with a zesty marinade of fresh lemons, aromatic oregano, and rich olive oil. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these grilled lamb chops are served with a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt, enhancing the natural flavors. Perfectly paired with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables, this recipe is a celebration of Greek culinary tradition.
4
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lamb Chops
2 lbs (Trimmed and ready for marination)
Lemons
4 (Zested and juiced)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (Extra virgin for best flavor)
Dried Oregano
2 tablespoons (For seasoning)
Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by zesting two of the lemons into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Then, squeeze the juice from 2 1/2 lemons, adding it to the bowl with the lemon zest. Reserve half of one lemon for later use.
2
Pour in the olive oil and mix the marinade thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
3
Place the lamb chops into a large resealable zip bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring that the lamb is well-coated, and refrigerate for 1 hour at room temperature or up to 3 hours for deeper flavor.
4
Preheat your grill to a medium-hot temperature. Once ready, remove the lamb chops from the marinade and allow any excess to drip off. Generously dust both sides of the chops with dried oregano for an aromatic finish.
5
Grill the lamb chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side for rare and 5 to 6 minutes for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
6
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the lamb chops to a serving platter, tent them loosely with foil or place them in a warm oven to rest for about 10 minutes.
7
To serve, drizzle any remaining juices from the platter over the chops. Squeeze the juice of the reserved half lemon over the grilled lamb, then sprinkle with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with lemon wedges from the fourth lemon and enjoy this delicious Greek classic!
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paidakia?
Paidakia are authentic Greek marinated lamb chops, known for being tender and grilled to perfection with lemon, oregano, and olive oil.
How long should I marinate the lamb chops?
You should marinate the lamb chops for 1 hour at room temperature or up to 3 hours for a deeper flavor profile.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil.
What is the recommended grilling time for rare lamb chops?
For rare doneness, grill the lamb chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
What is the recommended grilling time for medium-rare lamb chops?
For medium-rare doneness, grill the lamb chops for 5 to 6 minutes per side.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of Greek lamb chops?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 25 grams of protein in each serving of this dish.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 21 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these lamb chops?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oil is recommended for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best and richest flavor.
How many lemons do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 lemons in total for zesting, juicing, and garnishing.
When should I apply the dried oregano?
Apply the dried oregano generously to both sides of the lamb chops after removing them from the marinade and just before grilling.
How long should the lamb chops rest after grilling?
The lamb chops should rest for about 10 minutes, loosely tented with foil, to ensure they remain succulent.
What is the total weight of lamb chops required?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of trimmed lamb chops.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to a medium-hot temperature.
How do I prepare the lemons for the marinade?
Zest two lemons and juice 2.5 lemons into a mixing bowl; reserve the remaining half lemon for the final serving step.
Is this recipe suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, with its focus on lean protein, olive oil, and fresh citrus, it fits perfectly into a Mediterranean diet.
What kind of salt is suggested for seasoning?
Sea salt is suggested to enhance the natural flavors of the grilled lamb.
What should I do with the remaining half of the lemon?
Squeeze the juice of the reserved half lemon over the grilled lamb chops just before serving.
Can I marinate the lamb at room temperature?
Yes, you can marinate for 1 hour at room temperature.
What serves as a good side dish for Paidakia?
Greek salad or roasted vegetables are excellent traditional pairings for these lamb chops.
What is the purpose of tenting the meat with foil?
Tenting the meat with foil helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chops tender and warm while they rest.
How much dried oregano is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of dried oregano.
Should I remove excess marinade before grilling?
Yes, allow any excess marinade to drip off the lamb chops before placing them on the grill.
How is the final dish garnished?
Garnish the serving platter with lemon wedges from the fourth lemon.
What is the recommended amount of black pepper?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, or to taste.
Do I use the platter juices?
Yes, drizzle any juices that collect on the platter back over the chops before serving for maximum flavor.
How should the lamb chops be stored during marination?
Place the lamb and marinade in a large resealable zip bag and seal it tightly.
What is the main aromatic herb used?
Dried oregano is the primary aromatic herb used to give the lamb its signature Greek flavor.