Mesquite-Smoked Lamb Chops with Rosemary Garlic Butter

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

Tender mesquite-smoked lamb chops finished with a fragrant rosemary garlic butter for an elegant smoky dish. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 75 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 60 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 8 lamb rib chops (about 1.5 lbs). Season both sides evenly with 1 tbsp kosher salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the chops and rub in thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 275°F and place 3 large mesquite wood chunks on the coals or in the smoker box. Smoke the lamb chops for 45 minutes to 1 hour until they reach an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.
  3. Step 3: While the chops smoke, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Remove lamb chops from the smoker and rest for 5 minutes. Brush each chop generously with the rosemary garlic butter before serving for an aromatic finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mesquite-Smoked Lamb Chops with Rosemary Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Mesquite-Smoked Lamb Chops with Rosemary Garlic Butter?

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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mesquite-Smoked Lamb Chops with Rosemary Garlic Butter?

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 Mesquite-Smoked Lamb Chops with Rosemary Garlic Butter 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 Mesquite-Smoked Lamb Chops with Rosemary Garlic Butter?

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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