Wine-Marinated Lamb Chops
Juicy lamb chops marinated in a flavorful blend of red wine, herbs, and mustard, then grilled to perfection. This dish offers a rich, aromatic profile with tender meat, making it ideal for special dinners or weekend gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 8 (1-inch thick) lamb loin chops (about 2 1/2 lb.)
- 1/3 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon snipped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon snipped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh oregano or 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Place lamb chops in a plastic bag set in a deep bowl.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine red wine, chopped onion, olive oil, chopped rosemary, chopped basil, chopped oregano, chopped thyme, Dijon-style mustard, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the lamb chops.
- Close the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 6 to 24 hours, turning occasionally.
- Drain the chops, discarding the marinade.
- Preheat a gas grill and adjust heat for direct cooking.
- Place lamb chops on the grill rack over medium heat.
- Cover and grill for 10 to 16 minutes or until desired doneness, turning once.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the lamb chops for the full 24 hours. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can work well; just use one-third the amount. Make sure to let the chops come to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking. Pairing this dish with a robust red wine can complement the lamb beautifully, making it a perfect choice for Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the wine-marinated lamb chops with a refreshing Primavera Salad to balance the rich flavors. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or bell peppers, also make a great side. For a complete meal, consider pairing with a side of couscous or a light quinoa salad. This dish pairs beautifully with a full-bodied red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled lamb chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the meat tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wine-Marinated Lamb Chops contains roughly 82 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 type of wine for the marinade?
Yes, while dry red wine is recommended, you can experiment with other types like pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon. Just ensure the wine is dry to maintain the intended flavor profile in the marinade.
Is it necessary to marinate the lamb chops?
Marinating the lamb chops is essential for infusing them with flavor and tenderizing the meat. However, if you're short on time, even a quick 30-minute marinade can enhance the taste. Just keep in mind that longer marination yields better results.
What should I serve with lamb chops?
Lamb chops pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with roasted potatoes or a Mediterranean-style salad. Grilled vegetables or a herbed rice pilaf also complement the dish well, bringing out the rich flavors of the lamb.
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).