Recipe Card Schema:Ready to nail the perfect lamb chop doneness every time? This isn't your typical "throw it on the grill and hope" approach. We'll walk you through the exact cast iron-to-grill method that gives you crispy fat, juicy meat, and zero guesswork.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Resting Time5 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4servings
Calories: 1500kcal
Ingredients
4lbslamb loin chopssmall t-bone chops about 1 to 1 ½” thick each
1tbspKosher salt
2tbspAvocado oil or Olive oil
1tspPepper
1 - 2tbspGarlic and Rosemary infused Olive OilWe love this brand
Instructions
Prep the Lamb
Remove the lamb loin chops from the package and pat them dry.
Season them liberally on all sides with kosher salt.
Preheat the grill
Meanwhile, preheat your grill to 400-425 degrees F with a 2-zone fire.
Oil the grill grates.
When ready to grill, place a cast-iron skillet on the grill grates over the direct heat, and preheat for 5 to 10 minutes until just starting to smoke.
Render the Fat
Place the lamb chops, fat side down, arranged carefully in the skillet to stand next to one another.
Allow the lamb fat to render and become golden and crispy for 7 to 10 minutes. Check the fat and rotate the chops as needed for even cooking.
Carefully, using heat-resistant gloves, remove the skillet from the heat and put it on a safe surface. Discard the lamb fat and set the skillet aside.
Grill the Chops
Quickly toss the chops in a little oil.
Transfer the lamb chops to the hot side of the grill using long grilling tongs.
Grill the chops for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the lamb reaches 130°F, or your desired temperature, using a digital meat thermometer probe inserted into the thickest part, being careful not to touch the bone. Use caution and don’t leave the grill unattended as chops can easily cause flare-ups.
Rest and Serve
When cooked, transfer the chops to a serving platter and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Let them rest for 3 minutes.
Finish the chops with flavored oil (see our recommended brand) and serve hot.
Notes
Keep in mind that lamb loin chops vary in size, so cook to an internal temperature; all times given are just recommendations.
We recommend a two-zone fire for lamb chops as the fat drippings can cause flare-ups. Working with a cooler and hotter side, you can move the chops with long grilling tongs as needed to prevent flare-ups or burning.
For a charcoal grill
Start by filling your charcoal chimney with charcoal (we recommend Cowboy hardwood lump charcoal). Light the chimney from underneath and allow the charcoal to preheat for about 10-15 minutes. It’s ready when the charcoal is about 70% ashed over.
Carefully dump the charcoal to one side of the grill. Cover with the grill grate and lid and adjust the air vents.
Allow the grill to preheat for an additional 10 minutes, until it maintains a consistent, steady heat.
Grill the chops as instructed above.
For a pellet grill
Preheat your pellet smoker to 425 degrees F. We recommend Jack Daniel’s charcoal pellets for a little char-grilled flavor.
When the pellet smoker is preheated, cook the lamb chops as instructed.
We line our heat deflector/drip tray with foil under the grill grate before each cook to make cleaning up a breeze.
For a gas grill
Prep your gas grill by preheating the grill with all burners on high for about 10 minutes.
When preheated, adjust the grill for a two-zone fire by turning 2 of the 3 or 3 of the 4 zones to low heat.
If desired, add a smoker box filled with wood chips (we recommend hickory or cherry) and allow the chips to start smoking before adding the meat.
When the grill has preheated and is holding an even steady heat, place the lamb chops on the cooler side of the grill to cook, and finish them on the hot side for quick sear marks, being cautious of flare-ups.