Herb-Infused Grilled Lamb Shoulder Chops with Zesty Mint Sauce
Indulge in the succulent flavors of Herb-Infused Grilled Lamb Shoulder Chops, marinated to perfection for a delightful culinary experience. This dish features aromatic garlic and rosemary melding with the rich essence of pomegranate juice, creating tender chops that are grilled to juicy perfection. Complemented by a refreshing zesty mint sauce made with orange marmalade, this meal is a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Ideal for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, serve these chops alongside roasted potatoes or fluffy rice for a satisfying feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shoulder lamb chops
2 (3/4 inch thick)
Garlic
4 (peeled and crushed)
Rosemary
2 sprigs (bruised)
Pomegranate juice
2 (tablespoons)
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Salt
to taste
Orange marmalade
1/3 (cup)
White vinegar
1 (tablespoon)
Water
1 (tablespoon)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/8-1/4 (teaspoon)
Fresh mint leaves
1/3 (cup, lightly packed)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herb-Infused Grilled Lamb Shoulder Chops?
This dish features succulent lamb shoulder chops marinated with garlic, rosemary, and pomegranate juice, then grilled and served with a zesty orange-mint sauce.
What cut of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two shoulder lamb chops, ideally cut about 3/4 inch thick.
What aromatics are used in the lamb marinade?
The marinade uses four cloves of peeled and crushed garlic along with two sprigs of bruised fresh rosemary.
What is the secret ingredient in the marinade for these lamb chops?
Pomegranate juice is used in the marinade to add a rich essence and help tenderize the meat.
How is the zesty mint sauce made?
The sauce is a blend of orange marmalade, white vinegar, water, crushed red pepper flakes, and lightly packed fresh mint leaves.
What type of vinegar is used in the mint sauce?
One tablespoon of white vinegar is used to provide acidity to the zesty mint sauce.
How much orange marmalade is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of orange marmalade to provide the sweet base for the sauce.
Is the mint sauce spicy?
The sauce has a slight kick from 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What is the best way to prepare the rosemary for this recipe?
The rosemary sprigs should be bruised to release their aromatic oils before being added to the lamb.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The four garlic cloves should be peeled and crushed to maximize their flavor infusion.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the lamb, marinade components, and sauce ingredients.
What sides go well with grilled lamb shoulder chops?
This dish pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes or fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, its sophisticated flavor profile makes it ideal for special occasions, yet it is simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.
What is the flavor profile of this lamb dish?
It offers a perfect balance of savory notes from the garlic and rosemary and sweet-tart notes from the pomegranate and orange-mint sauce.
How much fresh mint is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of lightly packed fresh mint leaves.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, both salt and freshly ground black pepper should be added to taste.
How much pomegranate juice is used?
Two tablespoons of pomegranate juice are sufficient for the lamb marinade.
What is the cooking method for the lamb?
The lamb chops are grilled to achieve a juicy and tender finish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredient list of two lamb chops, it typically serves one to two people.
Is there water in the mint sauce?
Yes, one tablespoon of water is added to the sauce mixture to achieve the right consistency.
Can I use lamb loin chops instead of shoulder chops?
While shoulder chops are specified for their richness, you could use loin chops, though cooking times may vary.
How thick should the lamb be for optimal grilling?
The chops should be approximately 3/4 inch thick to ensure they stay juicy while grilling.
What kind of mint should I use?
Fresh mint leaves are essential for this recipe to provide the characteristic refreshing flavor.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Key tags include lamb, grilled, herb-infused, mint sauce, pomegranate, and easy recipe.
Is the orange marmalade mandatory for the sauce?
Yes, the marmalade is the primary sweetener and provides the citrus flavor that defines the zesty sauce.
Should the pepper be freshly ground?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor impact.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
What provides the zest in the mint sauce?
The combination of orange marmalade, vinegar, and red pepper flakes creates the zesty profile.
Can this be made on a weeknight?
Absolutely, the preparation is straightforward enough for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner.
How would you describe the texture of the finished lamb?
The lamb shoulder chops are grilled to be tender, juicy, and succulent.