Smoked Lamb chops make a delicious appetizer or main course for your guests during any season. This mouth-watering recipe will show you how to take your lamb chops to the next level.
Lamb chops can have a reputation for being tough and flavorless when cooked incorrectly. However, when smoked on a pellet grill using the right seasonings, lamb chops can be deliciously tender and taste incredible. Somebody also likes to have traeger lamb chops using traeger pellet grill.
To serve the best, absolutely delicious lamb chops, sprinkle them with lemon juice and parsley and serve alongside Smoked Asparagus, Smoked corn on the cob, or some smoked baked potatoes for a delicious burst of flavor.
What are Lamb Chops?
Lamb chops are a cut of meat taken from the rib, loin, or shoulder of a young sheep. They are small, individual portions of meat, usually containing a rib bone or a part of it. Lamb chops are considered a delicacy and are highly prized for their tender texture, delicate flavor, and versatility in the kitchen.
The different types of lamb chops are distinguished by the part of the animal from which they are cut.
- Shoulder chops: Cut from the shoulder of the animal, these chops are the most economical option, but they tend to be a bit tougher than other lamb chops. They are often braised or slow-cooked to tenderize the meat.
- Lamb loin chops: Cut from the waist of the animal, these chops are the most tender and flavorful type of lamb chops. They are usually cooked quickly over high heat, such as grilling or pan-frying.
- Rib chops: Cut from the rib section of the lamb, these chops are flavorful and tender, with a generous amount of fat. They are best cooked over high heat, such as grilling or broiling.
- Rack of lamb chops: A rack of lamb is a cut of meat that includes the rib bones still attached. When the rack is cut into individual portions, it yields a type of lamb chop known as a rack of lamb chops. These chops are highly prized for their tenderness and are often called roasted or grilled lamb.
Other types of lamb chops include blade chops, sirloin chops, and loin chops with the bone still attached.
In general, lamb chops are a versatile cut of meat that can be prepared in a variety of ways, from grilling and roasting to pan-frying and braising. The choice of the type of lamb chop and the cooking method will depend on personal preference, desired tenderness, and the flavor profile you want to achieve.
How To Make Smoked Lamb Chops
Preheat Pellet Smoker
The first step in preparing your smoked lamb chops is to preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F. This temperature is perfect for cooking lamb chops slowly and evenly.
Rinse & Pat Dry
After preheating the smoker, the next step is to rinse the lamb chops under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Patting the lamb chops dry helps to remove any excess moisture, which can interfere with the smoke absorption during the cooking process.
Season Lamb Chops
The next step is to season the lamb chops generously with dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These herbs and spices add flavor to the meat and complement the smoky taste of the smoker. You can also have a look at the lamb seasoning recipe. It is important to season the lamb chops generously, ensuring that the flavor penetrates the meat and enhances the overall taste.
Place Lamb Chops On Grill Grate Over Water Pan
After seasoning, place the seasoned lamb chops on the grill grates over a pan filled with 1 cup of water. This water helps to keep the meat moist during the cooking process and prevents it from drying out.
As the water evaporates, it creates steam, which helps to infuse the meat with moisture and flavor. Throughout the cooking process, add more water as needed to ensure that the pan does not dry out.
Smoke Lamb Chops
Once the lamb chops are placed on the grill, close the lid and smoke them for 60-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. This temperature is important because it ensures that the meat is cooked through but still tender and juicy.
Monitor the temperature throughout the cooking process using a meat thermometer. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the lamb chops.
Rest
Once the lamb chops are cooked, remove smoked lamb chops from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy. Resting the meat also makes it easier to carve and ensures that the flavor is evenly distributed.
Serve & Enjoy!
Finally, serve the smoked lamb chops and enjoy the delicious flavors that come from the combination of smoke and seasoning. The result should be tender, juicy, and full of flavor that’s perfect for a family meal or gathering with friends.
Pro Tip: Add Potatoes to the Water Pan
If you want to add some delicious potatoes to your smoked lamb chops meal, here are some steps to follow. Gold or red potatoes work best in this recipe because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that complements the smoked lamb chops.
1) Clean, Peel, and Cut into Wedges
Clean the potatoes thoroughly and peel them if desired. Cut them into wedges that are roughly the same size, so they cook evenly.
2) Parboil Potatoes
The low temperature of the smoker may not be enough to cook the potatoes through, so parboiling them first is a good idea. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 5 minutes until they are slightly tender but still hold their shape. Drain the potatoes and let them cool.
3) Add the Potatoes to the Water Pan
Place the slightly tender potatoes in the water pan, season them lightly with salt and black pepper, and add some fresh oregano for extra flavor. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the 1 cup of water in the water pan.
4) Smoke Lamb Chops Over Potatoes in Water Pan
Throughout the cooking process, keep an eye on the water pan and add more water as needed to prevent it from drying out. The potatoes will take about the same amount of time to cook as the lamb chops.
Adding potatoes to the water pan is an excellent way to round out your smoked lamb chop meal and add some extra flavor and texture to the dish. Following these steps will ensure that the potatoes are perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
Best Beer To Pair With Smoked Lamb Chops
Pairing the right beer with your smoked lamb chops can take your dining experience to a whole new level. The right beer can enhance the flavors of the dish, provide a refreshing contrast to the savory notes of the lamb, and help balance the richness of the meat. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to beer pairing, here are a few beer styles that tend to pair well with smoked lamb chops.
Belgian Dubbel
Belgian Dubbel is a dark, malty beer with a rich, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky, savory flavor of smoked lamb chops. The sweetness of the beer’s maltiness complements the lamb’s natural sweetness, while its subtle hints of dark fruit and spices provide a pleasant contrast to the lamb’s herbal seasoning.
American IPA
American IPA is a hoppy beer with a bold, bitter flavor that can stand up to the rich, fatty flavor of lamb chops. The beer’s bitterness can help cut through the fat and enhance the smoky flavor of the lamb, while its hoppy aroma can provide a refreshing, citrusy contrast to the lamb’s savory notes.
German Hefeweizen
German Hefeweizen is a light, refreshing beer with a fruity, spicy flavor that pairs well with the herbal seasoning of the lamb chops. The beer’s bright, citrusy notes can help balance the richness of the lamb, while its effervescence can provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory flavor of the lamb.
Related Recipes
Smoked Lamb Chops Recipe
Equipment
- Pellet Grill/Smoker
- Wood Pellets (apple or cherry)
- BBQ Grill Accessories (Tongs)
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shoulder chops (double this if using lamb loin chops as they are smaller)
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions
-  Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F.
- Rinse and pat dry lamb chops.
- Season generously with dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the lamb chops on the grill grates over a pan filled with 1 cup of water (add more water as needed throughout the cook)
- Close the lid and smoke the lamb chops for 60-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Once cooked, remove the lamb chops from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious smoked lamb chops!
Smoked Lamb Chops FAQs
How Long Does Lamb Take In A Smoker?
It’s recommended to smoke your lamb chops for 60-90 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chops. Keep in mind, the cooking time is simply a guideline. Use your meat thermometer to determine when the lamb chops are finished.
Which Is The Best Wood For Smoking Lamb?
We would recommend using Apple and Cherry wood for smoking lamb chops. They can provide the best smokey flavor to your meal whilst adding a subtle fruity flavor to the tender meat.
Why Are My Lamb Chops Tough?
If you cook your lamb chops at a higher temperature or for longer than the recommended cooking time, they may be tough in texture and chewier than desired. Keep the temperature low and slow, use a water pan for steam, and pay close attention to the internal temperature.
What Temperature Should Lamb Chops Be Cooked To?
Aim for an internal temperature of 140F for perfectly cooked smoked lamb loin chops.
Does Lamb Get More Tender The Longer You Cook It?
No, your lamb will not get more tender the longer you cook it, rather the opposite. Try to smoke the lamb chop at a low temperature to experience the meat’s best flavor and its juices.