January 5, 2025
Grilling

Red Wine Marinated Lamb Chops

Tender and flavorful, these red wine marinated lamb chops are infused with bold notes of garlic, rosemary, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a rich, savory taste. Perfectly seared to lock in the marinade, they make an elegant yet approachable dish for any dinner occasion.

Why This Recipe Works

Full of Flavor: The combination of red wine and lamb creates a delicious depth of flavor in these red wine marinated lamb chops! The acids in the wine break down the muscle fibers, resulting in incredibly tender, juicy chops that practically melt in your mouth. Paired with all your favorite side dishes, these lamb chops do not disappoint.

Year Round Versatility: Surprisingly, these lamb chops are quite versatile! This is a dish that can be prepared year-round, since it’s perfect for summer grilling, but can also be pan-seared or broiled when outdoor cooking isn’t an option. The marinade works equally well with different cuts of lamb, too, making it a reliable go-to recipe for any special occasion!

Restaurant Quality Made Easily at Home: While this lamb chops recipe looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The marinade comes together in minutes with pantry staples and fresh herbs, and the actual cooking time is less than 10 minutes!

Supplies Needed

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Shallow marinating dish or resealable plastic bag
Paper towels
Meat thermometer
Grill or grill pan
Tongs
Serving platter

Ingredients

Lamb Chops: For this recipe, I used boneless lamb loin chops. You can use bone-in lamb chops if you prefer!
Red Wine: Choose a medium to full-bodied, dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The wine you’d enjoy drinking will make the best marinade.
Olive Oil: To balance out the flavors!
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
Garlic & Shallot: Minced garlic cloves and shallot will intensify the marinade’s flavor.
Fresh Rosemary & Thyme: For a cozy, fresh herb flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier for the marinade while adding tanginess and depth!
Honey: Don’t worry, this won’t make the marinade sweet. It is just enough to balance out the flavors and keep it from being too acidic.
Salt & Pepper: Use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Marinating

Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, shallot, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Marinate: Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chops, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover the dish (or seal the bag) and refrigerate for 2 hours. Flip the chops halfway through for even marination.
Pat Dry & Season: Remove the lamb chops from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade. Season the chops lightly with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Pro Tip: Stick to 2 hours of marination for the best results, and don’t forget to flip the chops halfway through for even flavor distribution.

Tips For Grilling

Preheat: Preheat the grill to medium-high (direct) heat.
Sear: Sear the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes on each side directly over the coals for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time based on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
Rest: Transfer the lamb chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed.
Serve: Sprinkle with additional fresh rosemary or thyme and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Don’t forget, those 5 minutes of resting allow the juices in the grilled lamb chops to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running all over your plate. If you’re worried about the chops getting cold, tent them loosely with foil while they rest!

Serving Suggestions

These red wine marinated lamb chops are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down for any occasion! One of my favorite ways to serve them is with creamy mashed potatoes, smoked scallop potatoes, or crispy garlic roasted potatoes. Any form of potatoes go perfectly with the juicy lamb chops!

For some added nutrients and color, you can also pair these lamb chops with roasted Italian vegetables, grilled lemon pepper Brussels sprouts, a crispy artichoke salad, or bacon wrapped asparagus!

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