I think we can all agree that nothing beats lamb chops when you’re looking to cook something meaty and delicious.
From savory brunches on a lazy Sunday to hearty dinners on a special occasion, there are so many ways you can make and serve lamb chops — all you need is to figure out what flavors you feel like putting in your belly.
It gets better:
The best seasoning for lamb chops comes in a wide variety of tastes, aromas, textures, and even looks.
This means you should have no problems finding the best seasoning for lamb chops that fits your cravings whenever you decide to whip up a meal.
Today, I’ve put together a list of 15 mouth-watering seasoning ideas for lamb chops to give you different flavor options for your lamb chop recipes.
1. Rub with Garlic Paste
Garlic is always an ingredient in any good seasoning for lamb chops.
There’s just something magical about pairing the earthy spiciness of garlic with the grassy juiciness of lamb chops.
When making a garlic rub, feel free to add any number of your favorite herbs and spices. I like using powdered garlic along with thyme, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and rosemary.
You can also sprinkle the mixture on top of your lamb chops once they’re done cooking.
Want to know the best part?
You can store this rub in an airtight jar for up to 3 months.
2. Spice up with Harissa
Originating from Northwest Africa, harissa is a type of hot chili pepper paste. Its main ingredients include red peppers, cumin, garlic paste, caraway seeds, olive oil, and coriander seeds.
Harissa gives a punch of heat, spice, sweetness, and smokiness all at once. Pairing these flavors with the tenderness and slight gaminess of lamb chops takes richness to a whole new level.
You can add harissa to your marinade, use it for basting, or even serve it as a side dip for your lamb chops.
And if you like sauces like this, check out our favorite dipping sauces for lamb chops now!
3. Top with Brown Sugar Sauce
If you’re craving a sweet yet savory dish, I highly recommend you try cooking your lamb chops with a brown sugar sauce.
The sauce offers caramelized hints from the sugar, tanginess from the vinegar, and a spicy taste thanks to the pepper.
Together, you get a mixture of flavors that goes beautifully with pan-seared lamb chops.
Once you seal in the juiciness with the initial sear, baste the meat in the sauce, and then drizzle it on top of the finished meal.
The result is a rich dish that’ll have you licking your plate when you’re done!
4. Marinate the Lamb Chops
Some of the most common questions I get revolve around seasoning for grilled lamb chops.
I believe that the key to a mouth-watering lamb chop that melts in your mouth is the marination process, not the on-spot seasoning.
You see, marinating allows the flavors of the herbs and spices to penetrate the tissues of the steak so you get a richer taste. It also locks in moisture and gives the meat a nice color.
My favorite marinade ingredients include minced garlic, rosemary, black pepper, thyme, lemon juice, and olive oil.
5. Grill the Lamb Chops
One of the best seasonings for lamb chops is the flavor that comes from grilling them!
Depending on the material you use, you can get nutty, woody, or charcoal smokiness to shine through the meat. Not to mention, those lovely grill marks that make lamb chops look irresistible.
When seasoning lamb chops for grilling, I like to keep things simple with some salt, ground black pepper, and olive oil.
The cooking time here depends on the thickness of your chops and the doneness level you want. Generally, lamb chops take around 4 minutes of grilling on each side to reach medium-rare.
6. Make a Parmesan Crust
Anyone who knows me knows I love crunchy food.
So, of course, I had to include this seasoning recipe to make your lamb chops with a parmesan crust.
The toasted parmesan, bread crumbs, and herbs mixture doesn’t just add an interesting texture and an appetizing golden brown color to the dish, but it also brings a nutty, fruity flavor that perfectly complements the soft, slightly smokey taste of the lamb.
To prepare this crust, you’ll need some grated parmesan cheese, dried bread crumbs, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, parsley, black pepper, and salt.
7. Smother in Rosemary Gravy
There’s nothing like gravy to get you to lick your plate clean, especially when there’s a juicy slab of meat involved.
This rosemary gravy will make the perfect duo with your lamb chops, coupling the tenderness of the meat with the earthy, peppery, and lemony flavors of rosemary.
Complete the dish with mashed potatoes and some crunchy asparagus.
I love this sauce on even my leftover lamb chops!
8. Indianize the Lamb Chops
The grassiness and juiciness of lamb chops make them an awesome contender for seasoning with an Indian spice blend.
You might be wondering:
Won’t that make it extremely hot?
Well, not really.
Indian-style lamb chop seasoning consists of turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and chili powder. This means it’s warm and spicy without being hot.
9. Couple with Mint Mustard Sauce
A lot of people save mustard for hotdogs or burgers and mint for ice cream or tea, but did you know that they taste incredibly delicious with meat?
This is especially true with soft, juicy, smokey meats like lamb chops. The tanginess and sweetness from this sauce will surely transform your meal to a fancier level.
It uses mustard, white vinegar, mint leaves, honey, and horseradish. This sauce is also a fantastic seasoning for lamb chops in the oven.
10. Sear the Lamb Chops
Searing is one of my all-time favorite ways to cook meat, including lamb chops.
This process results in a flavor-packed crispy, salty, and savory layer on the outside with soft and tender meat on the inside juicy.
Note that the oil has to be very hot before you place the lamb chops in the skillet.
11. Use Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce goes great with meat thanks to its intense saltiness, mild heat, and hints of sweetness.
This thick sauce typically contains red chili pepper, 5-spice powder, and sugar. Together, these flavors blend to boost the richness and heartiness of your lamb chops.
12. Try a Honey Glaze
To complement the buttery texture and grassy flavor of lamb chops, a honey glaze will do the trick.
Combine 1 part honey with 2 parts soy sauce to achieve the signature sticky sweetness of honey and the sweet, salty, and umami flavors of soy sauce.
13. Pair with Lemon and Pepper
Lemon has a sharp and acidic flavor that you can’t find in any other seasoning. When paired with lamb chops, the dish turns heavenly on the spot!
The sourness from the lemon smooths out the grassiness of the lamb while adding some freshness to the meal.
with such seasoning, I recommend baking or searing or baking to preserve and emphasize the tartness.
14. Glaze with Apricot Preserve
Apricots may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of lamb chops, but this recipe will surely change that.
The apricots offer a tangy-sweet flavor that provides a contrasting kick to the grassy lamb.
Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dijon mustard to give the dish extra depth and spiciness.
15. Sprinkle Pomegranate Seeds
Whether you’re searing, baking, or grilling your lamb chops, try sprinkling some pomegranate seeds on top for a fresh twist.
Pomegranate seeds have a distinct sour and sweet flavor that pairs amazingly with the buttery-ness of lamb.
It also adds a pop of color to the dish and gives it a fun, crunchy texture.
We hope you’ve been inspired to try a new best seasoning for your lamb chops. In our book, you can’t wrong with any of these.
Don’t forget to whip up a delicious lamb chops side dish to complete an incredible meal!
Best Seasoning for Lamb Chops: 15 Ways to Spice up Your Dish
Ingredients
- Garlic Paste
- Harissa Spice
- Brown Sugar Sauce
- Marinade
- Grilling Flavors
- Parmesan Crust
- Rosemary Gravy
- Indianize
- Mint Mustard Sauce
- Sear for Crispiness
- Hoisin Sauce
- Honey Glaze
- Lemon and Pepper
- Apricot Preserve
- Pomegranate Seeds
Instructions
- Choose your desired seasoning for a delicious Lamb Chops dinner.
- Gather and organize needed ingredients.
- Season your lamb chops, cook, and enjoy!