Grilled Lamb Chops with Compound Butter is a flavorful and elegant dish that elevates tender, perfectly grilled lamb chops with the rich, aromatic flavors of a compound butter. The lamb is grilled to a perfect medium-rare, creating a deliciously crispy crust on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. The compound butter, made with ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of citrus or Dijon mustard, melts over the hot lamb, adding a burst of flavor with each bite.
I first made these lamb chops when I wanted something special for a celebratory dinner, and they quickly became a favorite. The compound butter enhances the natural richness of the lamb, while the grill imparts a smoky, charred flavor that perfectly complements the herbs in the butter. What I love most about this recipe is how simple yet impressive it is. You can customize the compound butter to your taste—add rosemary, thyme, or even a touch of lemon zest for extra brightness. These lamb chops are ideal for a romantic dinner, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Perfect for:
- Special occasions
- Dinner parties
- Summer barbecues
- Date night
- Meat lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Grilled Lamb Chops With Compound Butter will become your favorite grilling recipe:
- Rich, Smoky Flavor: The grilled lamb chops have a perfect smoky flavor with a tender, juicy interior.
- Decadent Compound Butter: The herb and garlic compound butter adds a layer of richness and a burst of flavor.
- Simple Yet Elegant: With minimal preparation, this dish is both easy and impressive.
- Grilled to Perfection: The lamb chops are seared on the grill for that ideal balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Versatile Butter: The compound butter can be customized with your favorite herbs, making it adaptable to your taste.
- Perfectly Balanced Spices: The combination of garlic, thyme, rosemary, and lemon brightens the dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the lamb.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight or weekend feast.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe is great for a small dinner party or intimate gathering with loved ones.
- High-Quality Protein: Lamb is a great source of protein, and this recipe is a tasty way to enjoy it.
- Make-Ahead Butter: You can prepare the compound butter ahead of time, making assembly quick and easy when grilling.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 2g, Fat: 38g
Ingredients
For the Grilled Lamb Chops:
- 8 lamb chops, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Compound Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Lamb Chops: Tender and flavorful, lamb chops are a delicious protein option with a rich, meaty taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley provide aromatic, earthy flavors that pair beautifully with the lamb.
- Garlic and Lemon: These ingredients brighten the compound butter with a zingy, fresh taste.
- Compound Butter: Adds richness and depth to the grilled lamb, making it an indulgent treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Lamb Chops:
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the Lamb: Brush the lamb chops with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme.
- Grill the Lamb: Place the lamb chops on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness (145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium).
- Rest the Lamb: Remove the lamb chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Make the Compound Butter:
- Combine Butter and Herbs: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the Butter: If preparing ahead, you can roll the butter into a log using parchment paper and chill it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Serve the Lamb Chops:
- Top with Compound Butter: Once the lamb chops have rested, top each chop with a dollop of compound butter. Let it melt over the warm meat.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the lamb chops with your favorite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables or mashed potatoes.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Grilled Lamb Chops With Compound Butter:
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes for a hearty meal.
- On a Bed of Greens: Arrange the lamb chops on a bed of arugula or spinach for a light and refreshing contrast.
- With Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent side to balance the richness of the lamb and butter.
- As a Main for a Special Dinner: These lamb chops are perfect for a fancy dinner or holiday feast.
- With a Side of Couscous: Serve with couscous for a Middle Eastern-inspired pairing.
- With Grilled Asparagus: The smoky grilled flavor of asparagus pairs wonderfully with the lamb.
- With Tzatziki Sauce: Add a dollop of cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean touch.
- With Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the lamb for a tangy contrast.
- For a Family Feast: Serve on a large platter, allowing everyone to share the lamb chops with friends and family.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Grill the lamb chops in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and a perfect sear.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb chops.
- Rest the Lamb: Letting the lamb rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
- Make Extra Butter: Make a double batch of compound butter for future use—it’s great on steaks, vegetables, or even bread.
Recipe Variations
- Mint Compound Butter: Add fresh mint to the compound butter for a traditional lamb flavor.
- Spicy Butter: Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle heat.
- Garlic Herb Sauce: Instead of compound butter, serve with a garlic herb sauce for a lighter alternative.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the lamb chops for a sweet and tangy finishing touch.
- Herbed Goat Cheese: Top the lamb with herbed goat cheese for a tangy and creamy alternative to butter.
- Lemon-Dijon Butter: Combine Dijon mustard with lemon juice for a tangy twist on the compound butter.
- Vegetarian Option: Serve the compound butter with grilled vegetables, such as eggplant or portobello mushrooms, for a vegetarian alternative.
Special Equipment
- Grill: For cooking the lamb chops to perfection.
- Meat Thermometer: To check the doneness of the lamb.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the compound butter.
- Parchment Paper: To roll and chill the compound butter if making ahead.
- Grill Tongs: To turn the lamb chops easily on the grill.
FAQ Section
- Can I use boneless lamb chops?
Yes, boneless lamb chops work just as well, but be sure to adjust the cooking time for the smaller size. - Can I prepare the compound butter in advance?
Yes, compound butter can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. - What’s the best way to check lamb doneness?
Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 145°F, and for medium, aim for 160°F. - Can I grill the lamb chops indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan indoors if you don’t have an outdoor grill. - How do I store leftover lamb chops?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. - Can I freeze the lamb chops?
Yes, you can freeze cooked lamb chops for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. - How can I make the butter spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the compound butter for extra heat. - Can I make this recipe without the compound butter?
Yes, you can serve the lamb chops with a simple drizzle of olive oil and herbs instead. - Can I use a different cut of lamb?
Yes, you can use other cuts like rack of lamb or lamb loin chops, but the cooking times may vary. - How do I make the lamb chops crispy?
Sear the lamb chops on high heat to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Conclusion
Grilled Lamb Chops with Compound Butter is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, juicy lamb chops with a rich, flavorful compound butter. The lamb chops are seasoned with a blend of herbs, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection, achieving a smoky, charred exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
The compound butter is made by mixing softened butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, along with garlic, lemon zest, and a touch of salt and pepper. Once the lamb chops are grilled, a dollop of this aromatic butter is placed on top, melting into the meat and infusing it with extra flavor. The result is a perfect balance of smoky grilled lamb with the rich, herbaceous butter that complements the natural flavor of the lamb. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or an elegant gathering. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad to round out the meal.
I can’t wait to see how your Grilled Lamb Chops with Compound Butter turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!