Charred Smoked Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb chops smoked and finished with a charred crust, infused with fresh garlic and rosemary for an aromatic and savory dish. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 135 minutes pairs (about 1.5 pounds) lamb rib chops, olive oil, fresh rosemary, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a marinade. Rub this mixture evenly over 8 lamb rib chops.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F using hickory wood chips soaked in water for 30 minutes for a strong smoky flavor.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb chops on the smoker grate and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chops and heat a grill or cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear the chops for 1-2 minutes per side until a dark char forms, adding extra flavor and texture.
  5. Step 5: Rest the chops for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute for tender bites.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Smoked Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charred Smoked Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Smoked Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Smoked Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Smoked Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary?

Mediterranean lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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