Minted lamb chops are a proper easy dinner. You get the flavour of lamb with that classic mint seasoning already added, so there is very little prep needed.
The main thing is not to overcook them. Lamb chops are fairly quick to cook, especially if they are not too thick, so a hot pan, grill or oven and a short cooking time is usually all you need.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to cook minted lamb chops in a frying pan, under the grill and in the oven, with simple timings and serving ideas.
What Are Minted Lamb Chops?
Minted lamb chops are lamb chops coated or marinated with mint seasoning. Mint is a classic flavour with lamb, and it works well because it cuts through the richness of the meat.
They are ideal for quick dinners, barbecues, midweek meals and simple roast-style plates with potatoes and vegetables.
How to Cook Minted Lamb Chops in a Pan
Pan frying is one of the easiest ways to cook minted lamb chops. It gives you good colour on the outside and keeps the meat juicy when cooked properly.
Ingredients
- Minted lamb chops
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Optional: butter, garlic or extra mint sauce to serve
Method
- Bring to room temperature - Remove the minted lamb chops from the fridge around 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Heat the pan - Heat a frying pan or griddle pan over a medium-high heat.
- Add oil - Add a small amount of oil to the pan.
- Cook the chops - Place the lamb chops in the pan and cook for around 3 to 4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
- Check doneness - Cook a little longer if you prefer your lamb more well done.
- Rest - Remove the lamb chops from the pan and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How Long Do Minted Lamb Chops Take to Cook?
Minted lamb chops usually take around 3 to 4 minutes each side in a hot pan.
Thinner chops may only need 2 to 3 minutes each side. Thicker chops may need 4 to 5 minutes each side, or a short finish in the oven.
The best thing to do is cook them until they have good colour on the outside, then rest them before serving.
Can You Grill Minted Lamb Chops?
Yes, minted lamb chops are great under the grill.
- Preheat the grill to high.
- Place the minted lamb chops on a grill tray.
- Grill for around 4 to 5 minutes each side, depending on thickness.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Keep an eye on them while grilling, because the mint coating can colour quickly.
Can You Cook Minted Lamb Chops in the Oven?
Yes, you can cook minted lamb chops in the oven, especially if they are thicker.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas Mark 6.
- Place the minted lamb chops on a baking tray.
- Cook for around 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For the best flavour and colour, you can sear them in a hot pan first, then finish them in the oven for a few minutes.
Can You BBQ Minted Lamb Chops?
Yes, minted lamb chops are brilliant on the BBQ.
Cook them over a medium-hot barbecue for around 3 to 4 minutes each side, depending on thickness. Try not to have the heat too aggressive, as the mint coating can catch and burn before the lamb is cooked.
Rest the chops for a few minutes before serving.
What Temperature Should Minted Lamb Chops Be?
If you are using a meat thermometer, use these internal temperatures as a guide:
- Medium rare: 57°C to 60°C
- Medium: 63°C to 65°C
- Well done: 70°C and above
The temperature can rise slightly while the chops rest, so remove them from the heat just before they reach your final target.
What to Serve with Minted Lamb Chops
Minted lamb chops work well with simple sides, especially potatoes and vegetables.
Good serving ideas include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roast potatoes
- Chips
- Peas
- Green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Broccoli
- Greek salad
- Flatbreads
- Couscous
- Extra mint sauce
- Gravy
For a quick midweek dinner, minted lamb chops with mash, peas and a spoonful of mint sauce is hard to beat.
Why Are My Minted Lamb Chops Tough?
If minted lamb chops are tough, they have usually been overcooked.
Lamb chops are small and cook quickly. If they are left in the pan, oven or grill for too long, they can become dry and chewy.
Cook them quickly, rest them for 5 minutes, and avoid cutting into them straight away.
Tips for Cooking Minted Lamb Chops
- Take the chops out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a hot pan, grill or BBQ, but avoid burning the mint coating.
- Cook for around 3 to 4 minutes each side in a pan.
- Rest the chops for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with potatoes, veg, mint sauce or gravy.
Final Thoughts
Minted lamb chops are quick, easy and full of flavour. The seasoning is already there, so all you need to do is cook them properly.
Use a hot pan, grill, oven or BBQ, keep the cooking time fairly short, and rest before serving. Do that, and you’ll have juicy minted lamb chops that make a brilliant simple dinner.
FAQs
How do you cook minted lamb chops?
Cook minted lamb chops in a hot frying pan for around 3 to 4 minutes each side, then rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How long do minted lamb chops take to cook?
Minted lamb chops usually take 3 to 4 minutes each side in a pan, 4 to 5 minutes each side under the grill, or 15 to 20 minutes in the oven.
Can you cook minted lamb chops in the oven?
Yes, cook minted lamb chops in the oven at 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas Mark 6 for around 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Can you grill minted lamb chops?
Yes, minted lamb chops grill well. Cook under a hot grill for around 4 to 5 minutes each side, depending on thickness.
Can you BBQ minted lamb chops?
Yes, minted lamb chops are great on the BBQ. Cook over a medium-hot barbecue for around 3 to 4 minutes each side.
Should minted lamb chops be pink?
Minted lamb chops can be served pink if you like them that way. For medium, aim for around 63°C to 65°C internally.
Why are my minted lamb chops tough?
Minted lamb chops are usually tough because they have been overcooked. Cook them quickly and rest them before serving.
