These rosemary butter lamb shoulder chops are delicious and juicy. They have great taste and are perfect for a cozy dinner. Lamb shoulder chops are full of rich flavors that make your mouth water.

Pan seared rosemary butter lamb shoulder chops in a cast iron with roasted potatoes on the side.

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Ingredients

  • 2 chops 3/4″ thick (1/2 lb chop). You can grab these at a local butcher store. I like the blade chop best.
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. I use this to get a nice sear on the lamb chops.
  • Salt and pepper to taste. The chops are already flavorful. Salt and pepper enhance their natural flavor without overpowering it.
  • 4 tablespoons of butter. Contributes to a juicy and tender texture as well as creating a baste for the chops.
  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary. Adding fresh herbs to this dish helps to improve the overall dish.
  • 2 cloves of crushed garlic. Using fresh garlic is essential. It adds so much flavor.

Rosemary Butter Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe

Step 1: Bring the chops to room temp

Take the lamb chops out of the fridge 30 minutes ahead of time so that they come to room temperature, and pat them dry.

Drying the lamb shoulder chops with a paper towel.

Step 2: Preheat your skillet

Heat oil in a 12″ cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot – you’ll start to see a little smoke, then you’ll know it’s ready.

Step 3: Add your seasonings

Sprinkle each side of the steak generously with salt and pepper, then immediately place in the skillet.

Seasoning the lamb chops with salt and pepper.


Step 4: Sear the chops

Sear the lamb chops for about 2 minutes or until a nice, thick crust develops. Then, Carefully flip with tongs.

Pro tip: The lamb chop should easily lift away from the skillet. If it doesn’t, it may need a little more time to develop its crust.

Searing the lamb chop in a cast iron skillet.


Step 5: Melt the butter

Leave the chops to sear on the second side for about a minute, then push them to one side and toss in butter, garlic and rosemary. Be careful, as it may splatter.

Cooking a lamb chop in a cast iron skillet with butter and fresh rosemary.


Step 7: Baste the chops

As soon as the butter is melted, continuously spoon the butter over the chops until it’s cooked to your liking. Usually about 2-3 minutes total on the second side.

Note: I also like to sear the edges of the chops as well.

Basting the lamb chops with the fresh garlic and butter from the pan.


Step 8: Rest

Transfer the lamb chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 5 minutes.

Tip: Set the rosemary spring on top of the chops while it rests to infuse more of its flavor.

Cast iron cooked lamb chop with roasted potatoes and fresh rosemary on the side.

FAQs

What is the required temperature for lamb shoulder chops?

The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), which would give you a medium-rare ratio or 160°F (71°C) for medium-cooked lamb shoulder chops.

Is Searing an Optional Step?

In my opinion, I think searing is the most important step. The process of searing helps to lock in the moisture and makes the chops juicier and more tender.

Sliced pieces of lamb chops in a skillet with little golden potatoes on the side.

What To Serve With Lamb Shoulder Chops

I made these with a side of roasted potatoes and garlic parmesan brussel sprouts and it was fantastic.

You could whip up some homemade or even store-bought mashed potatoes and boil a vegetable as another option to complete your meal.

Basting the lamb chop with crushed garlic, vegetable oil and fresh rosemary.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is easy to make and is perfect for any night of the week. It has even been kid-approved. It only requires minimal ingredients and it doesn’t skimp on flavor.

With Valentine’s Day, right around the corner, skip the crowded restaurants and make these lamb chops instead. It’s the perfect date night meal!

I am excited to add this rosemary butter lamb shoulder chops recipe to the blog and I hope you enjoy it! If you did, please leave a review and let us know what you think!

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Rosemary Butter Lamb Shoulder Chops

Laura Ascher
These rosemary butter lamb shoulder chops are delicious and juicy. They have a slight gamey taste and are perfect for a cozy dinner. Lamb shoulder chops are full of rich flavors that make your mouth water.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 People
Calories 545 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lamb chops 3/4 of an inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
  • 2 cloves crushed garlic

Instructions
 

  • Take the lamb chops out of the fridge 30 minutes prior to bring to room temperature.
  • Pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot – you'll start to see a little smoke, then you'll know its ready.
  • Sprinkle each side of the steak generously with salt and pepper, then immediately place in the skillet.
  • Sear the lamb chops for about 2 minutes or until a nice, thick crust develops. Then, Carefully flip with tongs.
  • Leave the chops to sear on the second side for about a minute, then push them to one side and toss in butter, garlic and rosemary. Be careful, as it may splatter.
  • As soon as the butter is melted, continuously spoon the butter over the chops until it’s cooked to your liking. Usually about 2-3 minutes total on the second side. I also like to sear the edges of the chops as well.
  • Transfer steak to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 5 minutes.

Notes

Scroll up for Step-by-Step Images.
Be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly depending on the size of your lamb chops.

Nutrition

Serving: 6ozCalories: 545kcalCarbohydrates: 0.01gProtein: 42gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 189mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 542mgSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 700IUCalcium: 26mgIron: 4mg
Keyword date night dinner, one dish recipe, stovetop recipe
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This website provides approximate nutrition information based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands, measuring methods and portion sizes per household. We recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer.

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