Southwestern Lamb Chops
Juicy lamb chops are enhanced with a flavorful orange and jalapeño glaze, perfect for those who enjoy bold Southern-inspired flavors with a hint of spice and citrus.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup halved sliced sweet onion ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1 cup orange sections ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro or parsley ⓘ
- 8 lamb loin chops, 1 inch thick ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, jalapeno peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the sliced onion and cook until softened.
- Combine cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry; add to the sauce.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, stirring for 1 minute or until thickened and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and stir in orange sections and cilantro. Keep warm.
- Meanwhile, season lamb loin chops with salt and pepper as desired.
- Grill or pan-sear the lamb chops to your preferred doneness.
- Serve the lamb chops topped with the orange and jalapeño sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier sauce, keep some seeds from the jalapenos. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute the jalapenos with bell peppers. You can also use lime juice instead of orange juice for a different citrus twist. Make sure to marinate the lamb chops for at least an hour for improved flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Bible School Punch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lamb chops with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Consider pairing with rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. A crisp white wine or a light beer complements this dish well. For dessert, consider a light fruit salad or Bubu'S Peanut Brittle for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lamb chops and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chops in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, and gently warm the sauce in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to maintain tenderness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Lamb Chops contains roughly 485 calories, with 15g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (217% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and calcium (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2368mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like rack of lamb or lamb shoulder. Just adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the meat. Make sure to cook to your desired doneness, using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
What can I substitute for the cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Just keep in mind that the thickening power may vary, so you might need to adjust the amount used accordingly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, you can leave some seeds in the jalapenos or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Additionally, consider serving with a spicy salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce on the finished dish for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).