Saltbush and Lemon Aspen Roasted Lamb Chops

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

Succulent lamb chops roasted with the earthy flavors of Australian saltbush and the citrus tang of lemon aspen for a distinctively native twist. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) lamb loin chops, dried saltbush leaves, crushed, lemon aspen powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 8 lamb loin chops (about 1.5 lbs) and place them on a large baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp crushed dried saltbush leaves, 1 tsp lemon aspen powder, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the lamb chops. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Roast the lamb chops in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, turning once halfway through cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Saltbush and Lemon Aspen Roasted Lamb Chops take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Saltbush and Lemon Aspen Roasted 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 lemon aspen powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Saltbush and Lemon Aspen Roasted 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 Saltbush and Lemon Aspen Roasted 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 Saltbush and Lemon Aspen Roasted Lamb Chops?

Australian 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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