Tender and Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Lamb Chops
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat22gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Lamb chops (choose fresh, well-marbled lamb chops for tenderness)4 pieces
- Olive oil (extra virgin preferred for flavor)2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (freshly minced)3 pieces
- Fresh rosemary (finely chopped)2 tbsp
- Salt (preferably sea salt or kosher salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly cracked)0.5 tsp
- Smoked paprika1 tsp
- Brown sugar (lightly packed)1 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar1 tbsp
- Water (or lamb broth for enhanced flavor)100 ml
Discover the joy of slow-cooking lamb chops to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results with this easy recipe. Using common supermarket ingredients and standard kitchen tools, even beginner cooks can create a delicious BBQ lamb chop dish that impresses family and friends. The slow cooking process allows the lamb to become tender while absorbing a smoky BBQ flavor, perfect for any occasion. This recipe costs approximately $15 USD, €14, £12, or ₹1100 for all ingredients and yields about 4 servings. Each serving averages around 350 kcal, with a moderate fat and protein content, suited for those following a balanced diet. The recipe is categorized as medium difficulty, with a total cooking time of about 2.5 hours including preparation and active cooking, making it manageable for most home cooks.
Preparation instructions
Marinate Lamb Chops
1In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create your marinade. Rub this mixture all over the lamb chops thoroughly, coating each piece well. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Prepare Slow Cooker
2Set up your slow cooker by lightly oiling the bottom to prevent sticking. Place the marinated lamb chops inside, layering them if necessary. Pour the water or lamb broth into the cooker to maintain moisture during slow cooking.
Slow Cook Lamb Chops
3Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on LOW heat setting for 2 hours. This slow cooking will gently break down the meat fibers making the lamb chops tender and juicy.
Check Internal Temperature
4After 2 hours, use a food-safe meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb chops. The safe internal temperature for lamb is at least 63°C (145°F) for medium-rare, with a resting time of 3 minutes. For medium doneness, aim for 70°C (160°F). If temperature isn't reached, cook for an additional 15-30 minutes.
Finish on BBQ Grill (Optional)
5For authentic BBQ flavor and crispy edges, preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the lamb chops for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a smoky char. Make sure to avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils and plates.
Rest and Serve
6Remove the lamb chops from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful cuts. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Cooking Tips
-If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the lamb chops in a covered oven-safe pan at 150°C (300°F) for 2 hours until tender.
-Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently during the cooking process to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
-For added flavor, include a few sprigs of fresh thyme or add a splash of red wine to the slow cooker liquid.
-Make sure to clean and sanitize all surfaces and tools that come into contact with raw lamb to prevent cross-contamination.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Grill or grill pan (optional)
- Spoon or brush for marinade
Shopping List
- [ ] Lamb chops (4 pieces, fresh, well-marbled) - approx. $12: Choose lamb chops with even marbling for tenderness.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - approx. $0.50: Look for cold-pressed options for better flavor.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) - approx. $0.30: Fresh and firm cloves are best.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (a small bunch) - approx. $1: Fresh rather than dried for aromatic qualities.
- [ ] Salt (sea/kosher) - approx. $0.05: Coarser salt enhances seasoning.
- [ ] Black pepper (freshly ground) - approx. $0.05: Fresh grinding offers best aroma.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (small jar) - approx. $1: Adds smokiness; substitute with regular paprika if unavailable.
- [ ] Brown sugar (small pack) - approx. $0.20: Lightly packed for balanced sweetness.
- [ ] Apple cider vinegar (small bottle) - approx. $0.50: Adds tang and tenderizes meat.
- [ ] Water or lamb broth (100 ml) - no additional cost if from tap or homemade.
Total Estimated Cost: $15.60
Tips: Use ingredients from your local market to ensure freshness and support local producers. Packaged spices should be well sealed and within best-by dates.
FAQ
What internal temperature ensures lamb chops are safe to eat?
The USDA recommends cooking lamb chops to a minimum internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) followed by a 3-minute rest for medium-rare, or up to 70°C (160°F) for medium.
Can I use the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can slow cook lamb chops in the oven at 150°C (300°F) covered for about 2 hours until tender.
How do I avoid lamb chops drying out during slow cooking?
Adding a bit of water or broth and keeping the slow cooker covered helps retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Is it necessary to rest the lamb chops after cooking?
Yes, resting for at least 5 minutes lets the juices redistribute, leading to juicier and more flavorful meat.