
Succulent Marinated Grilled Goat Chops
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat20gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Goat chops (choose fresh, well-marbled chops)4 pieces
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)3 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (fresh, peeled)3 pieces
- Fresh rosemary (pick fresh, fragrant sprigs)2 tbsp
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)2 tbsp
- Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
- Honey (optional, for subtle sweetness)1 tbsp

This recipe guides you through the process of marinating and grilling goat chops to tender, juicy perfection. The marinade infuses the meat with wonderful flavors, while the grilling adds a subtle smokiness. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15, €13, £11, and ₹1200. Each serving is rich in protein and relatively low in fat, making it suitable for a balanced diet. The recipe complexity is easy to medium, ideal for cooks with basic skills, and takes about 3 hours total, including marination time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the marinade
1In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and honey if using. Mix well. This marinade will tenderize and flavor the goat chops.
Marinate the goat chops
2Place the goat chops in a resealable plastic bag or glass container. Pour the marinade over the chops, ensuring each chop is coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop.
Preheat the grill
3Heat your grill to medium-high, about 200-230°C (390-450°F). Make sure the grill grates are clean to prevent sticking and promote good grill marks.
Grill the goat chops
4Remove goat chops from the marinade, shaking off excess. Place them on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
Check internal temperature for safety
5Goat meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F) for safety, followed by a 3-minute rest. Use a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop to check. This ensures the meat is safe to eat yet remains juicy.
Rest and serve
6Remove the goat chops from the grill and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat tender and flavorful. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked meat.
2If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary can be used but use half the quantity as it is more concentrated.
3You can substitute lemon juice with balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
4Letting the meat rest after grilling is key to juicy chops; don’t skip this step.
Equipment Needed
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Resealable plastic bag or glass container for marinating
- Tongs
- Knife and chopping board
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Goat chops (4 pieces, approx. $12) - Choose fresh cuts with good marbling for tenderness.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin, 3 tbsp, approx. $0.50) - Pick a good quality oil for best flavor.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces, approx. $0.30) - Fresh and firm garlic adds best aroma.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (a small bunch, you need 2 tbsp chopped, approx. $1) - If unavailable, dried rosemary can be substituted.
- [ ] Lemon (1 lemon for juice, approx. $0.50) - Use fresh lemon for best taste.
- [ ] Salt (kosher or sea salt, approx. $0.20 for needed quantity) - Consider quality salt for better seasoning.
- [ ] Black pepper (freshly ground, approx. $0.20) - Freshly ground pepper has more flavor.
- [ ] Honey (optional, 1 tbsp, approx. $0.30) - Adds a subtle sweetness to balance flavors.
Total approximate cost: $15.00
FAQ
Can I use other cuts of goat meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other goat cuts like leg steaks, but adjust cooking times accordingly as thicker cuts may require longer grilling.
How do I know the goat chops are cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 63°C (145°F). The meat will also be firm but still slightly springy to the touch.
Can I marinate the goat chops for longer than 2 hours?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight is actually better as it allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, making the meat more flavorful and tender.
What sides pair well with grilled goat chops?
Grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad complement the rich flavor of goat chops nicely.