Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops
Juicy lamb chops marinated in a bright citrus and herb mixture then grilled to a tender, smoky finish. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops, orange juice, lemon juice 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.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the citrus marinade.
- Step 2: Place 8 lamb rib chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove lamb chops from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, until a nice char forms and the internal temperature reaches about 135°F.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops?
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 orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops?
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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops?
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.
Equipment for this recipe
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