Sage and Juniper Smoked Lamb Chops

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-25 · Updated 2026-04-25

Tender lamb chops infused with aromatic sage and juniper smoke, capturing the essence of Utah’s open landscapes. This American-inspired meal-prep recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs lamb rib chops, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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-inch thick lamb rib chops
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 10 fresh sage leaves
• 2 tbsp, crushed juniper berries
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rub 8 lamb rib chops with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil evenly on all sides.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 minced garlic cloves, 10 chopped fresh sage leaves, 2 tbsp crushed juniper berries, and 1 tsp lemon zest to create an aromatic herb rub.
3. Step 3: Pat the herb mixture over the lamb chops, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Step 4: Prepare a grill or smoker for indirect heat at 275°F and add wood chips soaked in water with extra juniper berries and sage leaves for smoke.
5. Step 5: Smoke the lamb chops for 25-30 minutes, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
6. Step 6: Remove chops, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with a sprinkle of fresh sage leaves for garnish.