How to Cook Double Thickness Rib Lamb Chops

Double thickness lamb rib chops should be cooked over high heat to develop a nice crust.

As cuts of meats go, the rib chop is among the most flavorful and juicy cuts around. The meat is usually well marbled with fat which allows it to remain moist no matter what cooking technique is used. The lamb rib chop is no exception. Best left on the bone, as most meats are to add to their flavor, a lamb rib chop should be cooked over high heat quickly to put a nice crust on the outside while retaining the juices on the inside. Double thickness lamb rib chops are best prepared on the grill, on a broiler pan in the oven or pan-seared in a skillet on the stove. Does this Spark an idea?

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Lamb rib chops, at least 1 1/2 inches thick
Paper towel
Salt
Black pepper
Various herbs and seasonings
Grill brush
Vegetable oil
Tongs
Instant read thermometer
Broiler pan
Skillet

Instructions

Grilling Double Thickness Lamb Rib Chops
- 1
  
  Purchase lamb rib chops that are at least 1 1/2 inches thick. Remove from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for about an hour before grilling.
- 2
  
  Pat the outside of the lamb rib chops with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Sprinkle liberally with salt and ground black pepper. Add additional herbs or spices if you desire; good choices include marjoram, thyme, garlic and mint.
- 3
  
  Preheat the grill on high. Clean the grill grates with a grill brush. Wipe the grill grates liberally with vegetable oil with a paper towel using tongs.
- 4
  
  Place the lamb chops on the grill. Cook for about four minutes, then flip the lamb rib chops.
- 5
  
  Grill for another four minutes and flip the lamb rib chops 90 degrees to develop a cross-hatch design on the surface. Cook for four minutes and flip the lamb rib chops again.
- 6
  
  Cook for another four minutes, then check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. Rare lamb should read 135 degrees Fahrenheit; medium should read 155 degrees; and well done should read 165 degrees. Grill for another minute or two, if necessary.
- 7
  
  Remove the rib lamb chops from the grill and turn off the grill. Allow the meat to rest for five minutes to allow the internal juices to recirculate throughout the meat.
Broiling Double Thickness Lamb Rib Chops
- 8
  
  Follow Steps 1 and 2 from the grilling process.
- 9
  
  Preheat the broiler in the oven on high. Set the upper oven rack about 2 inches away from the heating element.
- 10
  
  Place the lamb chops on a broiler pan and place the pan into the oven.
- 11
  
  Broil for about eight minutes. Remove the broiler pan from the oven and flip the lamb rib chops using tongs. Return the broiler pan to the oven.
- 12
  
  Broil for another eight minutes, then check the internal temperature of the lamb chops using the guide in Step 6 of the grilling process. Broil for another minute or two, if necessary.
- 13
  
  Remove the broiler pan and turn off the oven. Remove the lamb rib chops from the broiler pan and let them rest for five minutes before serving.
Pan-Searing Double Thickness Lamb Rib Chops
- 14
  
  Follow Steps 1 and 2 from the grilling process.
- 15
  
  Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet on the stove and turn the heat up to high.
- 16
  
  Lightly coat the skillet with vegetable oil spray.
- 17
  
  Add lamb chops and saute for about four minutes. Use the tongs -- never pierce cooking meat with a fork, as this will cause the juices to run out and make the meat dry -- and move the meat around slightly in the skillet to prevent sticking.
- 18
  
  Flip the lamb rib chops over and sear for another four minutes.
- 19
  
  Place the pan in the oven and roast for about eight minutes. Finishing the lamb chops in the oven allows for more even cooking. Turn off the stove's burner. Check the internal temperature and make sure that the chops are cooked to your liking.
- 20
  
  Remove the skillet from the oven and turn it off. Remove the lamb rib chops from the pan and allow them to rest for five minutes.

Tips & Warnings

Lamb rib chops can also be marinated in spices before cooking.
Watch for flare-ups when cooking, especially on the grill. Due to the high fat content of the lamb rib chops, the dripping fat could catch fire as it hits the hot elements. Have a spray bottle filled with water handy to put out any flames.