Tender Slow-Cooked Garlic Goat Chops
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat28gram
Protein38gram
Ingredients
- Goat chops (spring lamb chops can substitute if goat is unavailable; choose meat with some marbling for flavor)4 piece
- Garlic cloves (select fresh, firm cloves free from spots and shriveling)6 piece
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)3 tbsp
- Fresh rosemary (or dried rosemary if fresh unavailable, use less)2 tbsp
- Fresh thyme (or dried thyme as substitute)1 tbsp
- Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)1.5 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground preferred)1 tsp
- Onion (medium, firm and dry)1 piece
- Chicken broth or water (low sodium if possible)250 ml
This recipe for Tender Slow-Cooked Garlic Goat Chops is designed for home cooks who want to enjoy a delicious, flavorful goat chop dish with easy steps and minimal fuss. Slow cooking makes the meat incredibly tender and infused with the rich flavor of garlic and herbs. The cost of ingredients is affordable, approximately $15 USD (€14, £12, ₹1,200) for four servings. Each serving delivers about 450 kcal, primarily from protein and some healthy fats. This dish is medium difficulty due to the slow cooking process but requires mostly passive time, perfect for a relaxed cooking experience. Prepare your kitchen with standard equipment and follow safe food handling practices to enjoy this delightful meal.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the ingredients
1Peel and finely chop 6 garlic cloves. Slice 1 medium onion thinly. Pat dry the goat chops with paper towels to help them brown nicely.
Season the goat chops
2Rub 1.5 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, and the chopped garlic evenly over both sides of the goat chops. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prepare the cooking base.
Brown the goat chops
3Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the goat chops and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Browning seals in juices and adds flavor.
Sauté onions
4In the same pan, remove the goat chops and reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Combine and slow cook
5Place browned goat chops back into the pan on top of onions. Add 250 ml of chicken broth or water to the pan. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid to retain moisture. Reduce heat to low, and let the goat chops simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Check for doneness and safety
6After 2 hours, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read at least 70°C (160°F) for safe consumption of goat meat. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone. If not yet tender, continue slow cooking, checking every 15 minutes.
Serve and enjoy
7Carefully remove the goat chops from the pan. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with the cooked onions and pan juices spooned over the top.
Cooking Tips
1If goat chops are not available, lamb chops work as a substitute with similar cooking times.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and other ingredients.
3Letting the meat rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute for more tender results.
4Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature is reached; do not rely on color alone.
5For extra flavor, marinate goat chops overnight with garlic, herbs, and olive oil in the refrigerator.
Equipment
- Large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan with tight-fitting lid
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon for stirring
- Tongs for turning meat
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Goat chops ($10) - Choose chops with some fat marbling for tenderness.
- [ ] Fresh garlic bulbs ($0.50) - Pick firm bulbs without sprouting.
- [ ] Olive oil ($3) - Extra virgin is best for flavor.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary ($1.50) - If unavailable, dried rosemary is acceptable.
- [ ] Fresh thyme ($1.50) - Can substitute with dried thyme if fresh is not found.
- [ ] Onion ($0.30) - Medium-sized, firm and dry skin.
- [ ] Chicken broth low sodium ($2) - Provides flavor; water is an affordable substitute. Total approx.: $18.80
FAQ
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can transfer the browned goat chops and ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours until tender.
How do I store leftovers safely?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat to at least 74°C (165°F) before eating.
Can I freeze cooked goat chops?
Yes, cooked goat chops freeze well. Store in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
What should I do if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
You can check doneness by piercing the meat with a fork; it should be tender and juices run clear, but a thermometer is best for food safety.