Glazed Lamb Chops are a refined and flavorful dish featuring tender lamb seared to perfection and finished with a glossy, sweet-and-savory glaze. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or oven-roasted, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lamb chops cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully, making them an ideal protein for a fast yet luxurious meal. The glaze — typically made with ingredients like balsamic vinegar, garlic, honey, or soy sauce — adds richness, depth, and a beautifully caramelized exterior. This dish is perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or an elevated weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Lamb chops (rib or loin)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic, minced
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey or brown sugar
- Dijon mustard (optional)
- Soy sauce (or tamari)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Season the lamb: Pat lamb chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the chops: In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear lamb chops for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside (they will finish cooking in the glaze).
- Make the glaze: In the same pan, reduce heat and add garlic. Sauté briefly, then add balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Glaze the lamb: Return the lamb chops to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them. Cook for 1–2 more minutes per side, basting continuously until the chops are coated and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 2–3
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, earthier glaze.
- Add chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy twist.
- Try a mint glaze using mint jelly and vinegar for a traditional pairing.
- Grill instead of pan-sear for a smoky flavor profile.
- Add orange zest or juice for a citrusy lift in the glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the glaze. Avoid microwaving, as lamb may toughen.
- Freezing: Cooked lamb chops can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
FAQs
What cut of lamb should I use?
Rib or loin chops are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness and fast cooking time.
Can I grill the lamb instead of pan-searing?
Yes, grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, then brush with glaze near the end.
What internal temperature should lamb chops be cooked to?
Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C). Medium: 135–145°F (57–63°C).
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made in advance and reheated gently before use.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
What sides pair well with glazed lamb chops?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, couscous, or a fresh green salad.
Can I substitute another meat?
Yes, this glaze also works well with pork chops or chicken thighs.
Do lamb chops need to rest before serving?
Yes, resting helps retain juices and improves texture.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, it contains no dairy ingredients.
What wine pairs well with glazed lamb chops?
A bold red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz complements the richness of the lamb.
Conclusion
Glazed Lamb Chops are a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can transform into an elegant, flavorful meal. With tender meat and a luscious sweet-savory glaze, this dish feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. Ideal for both special occasions and weekday indulgence, it’s a versatile recipe that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.
PrintGlazed Lamb Chops
Glazed Lamb Chops are tender, juicy cuts of lamb seared to perfection and coated in a rich, flavorful glaze made with honey, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. A gourmet-style dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 8 lamb chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season lamb chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and herbs if using. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear lamb chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the glaze mixture. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
- Return lamb chops to the skillet and coat them with the glaze, turning to cover both sides evenly. Simmer for 1-2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let rest briefly before serving. Drizzle with extra glaze from the pan.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate lamb chops in the glaze for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness: 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
- Great served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or couscous.
- Glaze can be doubled for extra sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 lamb chops
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg