These perfect pan-fried lamb chops are all about simple cooking done right. With a golden, flavour-packed crust and a juicy, tender centre, they're ready in minutes and perfect for anything from a quick midweek dinner to a special occasion.
Lamb chops are a favourite in our house that can be enjoyed with so many different side dishes or salads. A quick and delicious protein to cook if you want to treat your loved one(s) to a special date night dinner.
Tips
- Cooking time guide (*note that the temperature will increase as the chops rest):
- Rare - 2 to 3 minutes per side (52C/125F)
- Medium rare - 3 to 4 minutes per side (56C/132F)
- Medium - 4 to 5 minutes per side (60C/140F)
- Well done - 5 to 6 minutes per side (71C/160F)
- Optional variations:
- Garlic butter lamb chops - add a large knob of butter and 2 crushed cloves of garlic to the hot pan just before adding the chops to fry at step 4.
- Rosemary and thyme lamb chops - add sprigs of rosemary and thyme to the hot pan just before adding the chops to fry at step 4.
- Spicy lamb chops - add a sprinkle of chilli flakes to both sides of the chops when seasoning them at step 3.
- This perfect pan-fried lamb chops recipe is easily adapted if you're cooking for less or more people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use medium high heat, don't overcrowd the pan, and rest the meat after cooking.
Use a meat thermometer or follow cooking times based on thickness.
Yes - they are best served medium rare for tenderness.
Not essential, but it adds extra flavour.
They are best cooked fresh but can be rested and served shortly after.
Potatoes, greens, salads and mint sauce all pair well.
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How to make these Perfect Pan-Fried Lamb Chops
Ingredients
- 6 lamb chops (total weight approx. 500g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Remove the chops from the fridge at least 20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Remove them from any packaging and sit them on a plate.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan, griddle pan or skillet over a medium high heat.
- Season the chops on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, just before cooking.
- Fry the chops for 2 to 3 minutes (see Tips for cooking time guide and temperatures) on each side (note: you might need to cook them in a couple of batches so as not to overcrowd the pan).
- Remove the chops from the pan and place on a warm metal tray in a warm place to rest for at least 5 minutes, to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve with your choice of vegetable side dishes.
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Perfect Pan-Fried Lamb Chops
Ingredients
- 6 lamb chops total weight approx. 500g
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Remove the chops from the fridge at least 20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Remove them from any packaging and sit them on a plate.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan, griddle pan or skillet over a medium high heat.
- Season the chops on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, just before cooking.
- Fry the chops for 2 to 3 minutes (see Notes for cooking time guide and temperatures) on each side (note: you might need to cook them in a couple of batches so as not to overcrowd the pan).
- Remove the chops from the pan and place on a warm metal tray in a warm place to rest for at least 5 minutes, to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve with your choice of vegetable side dishes.
Notes
- Cooking time guide (*note that the temperature will increase as the chops rest):
- Rare - 2 to 3 minutes per side (52C/125F)
- Medium rare - 3 to 4 minutes per side (56C/132F)
- Medium - 4 to 5 minutes per side (60C/140F)
- Well done - 5 to 6 minutes per side (71C/160F)
- Optional variations:
- Garlic butter lamb chops - add a large knob of butter and 2 crushed cloves of garlic to the hot pan just before adding the chops to fry at step 4.
- Rosemary and thyme lamb chops - add sprigs of rosemary and thyme to the hot pan just before adding the chops to fry at step 4.
- Spicy lamb chops - add a sprinkle of chilli flakes to both sides of the chops when seasoning them at step 3.
- This perfect pan-fried lamb chops recipe is easily adapted if you're cooking for less or more people.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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