Savory Balsamic-Honey Glazed Lamb Chops with Fig and Pear Medley
Elevate your dining experience with these succulent lamb chops glazed in a rich balsamic and honey sauce, complemented by tender figs and pears. This dish perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors, making it ideal for special occasions or a flavorful weeknight dinner. The juicy, well-seasoned lamb combined with a glossy fruit glaze creates a stunning presentation that will impress both family and friends. Serve this one-dish meal with your favorite side for a complete culinary experience.
8
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lamb chops
8 (shoulder or rib, trimmed)
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
dried thyme leaves
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
black pepper
1 1/2 (teaspoons, coarse ground)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
balsamic vinegar
1/2 (cup)
honey
1/2 (cup)
figs or pears
4 (small, cored and sliced or cut in half)
Instructions
1
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the lamb chops on both sides with olive oil. Season evenly with dried thyme, coarse ground black pepper, and salt.
2
Add the lamb chops to the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
3
In another large skillet, combine balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
4
Prepare the figs or pears by coring and slicing them into 10 slices. If using figs, simply cut them in half.
5
Once the balsamic-honey mixture is bubbling, gently add the sliced fruit. Toss to coat the fruit in the glaze and cook for an additional 2–4 minutes, or until the fruit is glazed and just tender.
6
Return the browned lamb chops to the skillet with the balsamic-honey glaze and fruit. Turn the chops several times to generously coat them with the sauce.
7
Cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the chops are heated through and well-glazed.
8
Serve the lamb chops on a platter, topped with the glazed fruit and a drizzle of the balsamic-honey sauce from the skillet.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
35
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein is 8 lamb chops, specifically shoulder or rib cuts, trimmed of excess fat.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What are the key ingredients for the glaze?
The glaze is made from a simple mixture of 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/2 cup honey.
What fruits are recommended for the fruit medley?
You can use either 4 small figs (cut in half) or 4 small pears (cored and sliced into 10 slices).
How should I season the lamb chops before searing?
Brush the chops with olive oil and season evenly with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons of coarse ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
How long do the lamb chops need to sear in the skillet?
Sear the lamb chops for about 5 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until nicely browned.
How long does it take to thicken the balsamic-honey glaze?
The glaze should be brought to a boil and allowed to thicken for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
How much protein is in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of protein.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving of the glazed lamb chops contains 400 calories.
How long should I cook the fruit in the glaze?
Gently toss the fruit in the bubbling glaze and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until they are glazed and just tender.
Is this recipe considered savory or sweet?
This dish is a balance of both savory and sweet flavors, utilizing seasoned meat and a honey-fruit glaze.
What type of skillet heat is recommended for searing the lamb?
A medium-high heat setting is recommended for the initial sear.
Do I need to let the lamb chops rest?
Yes, after searing the chops, you should remove them from the skillet and set them aside to rest while you prepare the glaze.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Return the lamb chops to the skillet with the glaze and fruit, turning them to coat, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
What kind of black pepper is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe calls for coarse ground black pepper.
What type of thyme should be used?
The recipe specifies using 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves.
Can I use shoulder lamb chops?
Yes, both shoulder and rib cuts are suitable for this recipe.
How should the pears be prepared if used?
Pears should be cored and sliced into approximately 10 slices each.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, the description notes it is ideal for special occasions and provides a stunning presentation.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for brushing the chops.
What is the final serving suggestion?
Serve the chops on a platter topped with the glazed fruit and a drizzle of the remaining balsamic-honey sauce.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, though it can be paired with favorite sides.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
What heat should be used for the glaze skillet?
The balsamic vinegar and honey should be combined and stirred over medium heat.
What is the texture of the fruit after cooking?
The fruit should be glazed and just tender, not mushy.
How much salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Can the lamb be cooked to different levels of doneness?
Yes, the instructions suggest searing the lamb until it reaches your desired doneness.
Should the lamb chops be trimmed before cooking?
Yes, the ingredient list specifies that the lamb chops should be trimmed.