Mouthwatering Healthy Smoked Goat Chops
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat20gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Goat chops (preferably from a fresh, reputable source for safety and taste)4 piece
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor and health benefits)2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (freshly minced)3 piece
- Fresh rosemary (finely chopped)1 tbsp
- Fresh thyme leaves1 tbsp
- Ground black pepper (freshly cracked)1 tsp
- Sea salt1 tsp
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)1 tbsp
- Apple wood chips (for smoking, soaked in water for 30 minutes)1 cup
Experience the wholesome flavor of smoked goat chops prepared in a healthy way. This recipe guides you through smoking tender, juicy goat chops with simple ingredients and techniques, resulting in a delicious meal that's both nutritious and satisfying. The total cost of the ingredients is approximately $15 USD, €14, £12, or ₹1100, and the dish contains roughly 350 kcal per serving. This recipe is suitable for a balanced diet and moderately easy to prepare, with active cooking time under 2 hours.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the goat chops
1Pat the goat chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade adhere better and ensures even smoking.
Make the marinade
2Combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, black pepper, sea salt, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix well to blend flavors.
Marinate the goat chops
3Rub the marinade generously over both sides of each goat chop. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to absorb flavors.
Prepare the smoker
4Soak apple wood chips in water for 30 minutes before smoking. Preheat your smoker to a steady 110°C (225°F). Drain the chips before adding them to the smoker box or directly on coals.
Smoke the goat chops
5Place the marinated goat chops on the smoker grill grates. Smoke at 110°C (225°F) for about 1.5 hours, turning halfway through for even cooking and color.
Check internal temperature for safety
6Using a meat thermometer, verify the internal temperature of the goat chops has reached at least 71°C (160°F) to ensure they are safe to eat. Goat is safe and best cooked to this temperature to maintain tenderness.
Rest the meat
7Remove the goat chops from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes covered loosely with foil. This helps retain juices and enhances tenderness.
Serve
8Serve the smoked goat chops hot with your favorite sides such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a healthy, delicious meal.
Cooking Tips
1Always handle raw goat chops with clean hands and clean utensils to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods.
2If you don't have a smoker, you can use a charcoal grill with a smoker box or create a smoke pouch with aluminum foil.
3Soaking wood chips prevents them from burning too quickly and producing harsh smoke flavors.
4Allowing the meat to rest after cooking redistributes juices for more tender, moist goat chops.
Equipment
- Smoker or charcoal grill with smoker box
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] 4 goat chops ($12) - Choose chops that are firm with good color and little odor.
- [ ] Extra virgin olive oil (250 ml bottle) ($5) - Look for cold-pressed and organic if possible.
- [ ] Fresh garlic bulbs ($1 for a bulb) - Select firm, unblemished bulbs.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary and thyme (small bunches) ($2) - Pick vibrant green herbs without wilting.
- [ ] Lemons (2 pieces) ($1.5) - Choose heavy, fragrant lemons.
- [ ] Apple wood chips (1 bag) ($5) - Purchase from a reputable source for safe smoking.
Total estimated cost: $26.5 (prices vary by location)
FAQ
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor. If using dried, use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs.
What if I don't have a smoker?
You can use a charcoal or gas grill with a smoker box or a foil pouch filled with soaked wood chips placed near the heat source to generate smoke.
How do I know the goat chops are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 71°C (160°F), the safe temperature recommended for goat meat.
Can I marinate the goat chops overnight?
Yes, marinating up to 24 hours adds more flavor, but don't exceed this to maintain meat texture.