Orange Lamb Chops Recipe
A delightful fusion of savory lamb and citrusy orange flavor, this Orange Lamb Chops recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal with a sophisticated touch. With the rich, tender texture of lamb, paired with the bright and tangy orange, this dish strikes the perfect balance between zest and heartiness. Follow the simple steps to create a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shoulder lamb chops | 6 |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Butter (for sautéing) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Freshly ground pepper | 1 tsp |
| Orange peel | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh orange juice | 1/2 cup |
| Mushrooms (fresh, sliced) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 46.3 kcal |
| Fat Content | 4.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 1.4 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 2.5 mg |
| Sodium Content | 7.4 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 2.1 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 1.4 g |
| Protein Content | 0.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Mushrooms:
In a small pan, melt 1 teaspoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced fresh mushrooms (if using canned mushrooms, skip this step). Sauté the mushrooms until their juices have evaporated and they begin to turn golden. Once done, set them aside. -
-
Trim the Lamb Chops:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the lamb chops, ensuring that the meat is clean and ready for marinating. This step will help reduce the greasy texture and make the chops leaner while cooking. -
Make the Orange Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the freshly grated orange peel and orange juice, mixing them together. Stir in the dried thyme to add a herby essence to the marinade. Spoon this citrus mixture generously over the lamb chops, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. -
Marinate the Lamb:
Allow the lamb chops to marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature. If you have time, marinate the chops for up to 3 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor. Be sure to turn the chops once or twice during the marination process to ensure the marinade infuses into all sides of the meat. -
Cook the Lamb Chops:
After marinating, remove the lamb chops from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add a little butter or shortening. Once the pan is hot, add the lamb chops and brown them on both sides, seasoning each side with salt and pepper to taste. -
Simmer the Chops:
Once the lamb chops are browned, pour the reserved orange marinade into the pan along with the sautéed mushrooms. Stir everything together, then cover the pan and let it simmer for about 40 minutes. This will allow the lamb to cook through and absorb all the vibrant flavors of the marinade and mushrooms. -
Finish and Serve:
After 40 minutes, uncover the pan and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to reduce the sauce and concentrate the flavors. Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the lamb is tender, remove the pan from the heat. -
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the Orange Lamb Chops hot, accompanied by your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The citrus sauce pairs wonderfully with the richness of the lamb, offering a refreshing contrast.
Tips & Variations
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Mushroom Options: While fresh mushrooms work best for this recipe, you can use dried mushrooms as well. Just be sure to rehydrate them in warm water before sautéing.
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Spice it Up: If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade to complement the sweetness of the orange.
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Grilled Version: For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the lamb chops instead of pan-frying them. Simply marinate them and cook them on a preheated grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, then finish with the orange sauce.
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Vegan Twist: Substitute the lamb with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a plant-based version of this dish. The citrus marinade will still provide a delightful flavor base.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Orange Lamb Chops recipe combines the zest of fresh oranges with the savory depth of lamb, creating a meal that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The tender, juicy chops, bathed in the tangy citrus sauce and paired with earthy sautéed mushrooms, make it a standout dish for any occasion. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for both busy weeknights and weekend entertaining.
Don’t forget: the marinating process is key to infusing the lamb with the bright orange flavors, so plan ahead for the best results. Whether served as a main course at a holiday feast or a weekday dinner, these Orange Lamb Chops will surely become a family favorite.
Final Thoughts
At Love With Recipes, we strive to provide you with delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that elevate everyday meals into memorable experiences. This Orange Lamb Chops recipe is just one of many that showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Try it out, and let us know how it turned out!
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Orange Glazed Chicken: A tender chicken dish with a zesty orange glaze.
- Lamb Kofta: Spiced lamb skewers, perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
- Citrus-Marinated Beef Skewers: A tangy twist on traditional beef skewers, infused with citrusy notes.
