This recipe for Sticky Lamb Chops combines the rich flavor of lamb with a sweet and citrusy orange-thyme glaze, served alongside tender baby heritage carrots for a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s an elegant yet easy dish perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 6 French-trimmed lamb chops (600g in total)
- 200g mixed-color baby heritage carrots, cleaned and tops trimmed
- 8 cloves of garlic, unpeeled
- 3 oranges
- ½ a bunch of fresh thyme (15g), leaves picked
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This high heat is perfect for roasting the lamb chops and carrots to get that delicious caramelization.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Lightly crush the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife—this helps release their flavor. Zest one orange and juice all three. Keep the zest and juice separate.
- Season the Lamb Chops: Season the lamb chops generously with salt, pepper, and half of the thyme leaves. Rub the chops with a little olive oil to ensure they get a nice sear.
- Roast the Carrots and Garlic: Place the baby carrots and garlic cloves on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle over the remaining thyme leaves. Toss everything together to ensure the carrots are evenly coated. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and starting to caramelize.
- Cook the Lamb Chops: While the carrots are roasting, heat a large frying pan over a high heat. Once hot, add the lamb chops and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred doneness. Remove the lamb chops from the pan and let them rest.
- Make the Orange-Thyme Glaze: In the same pan used for the lamb chops, add the orange juice and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, which will concentrate the flavor and make it slightly syrupy. Add the orange zest and any resting juices from the lamb chops. Stir in a splash of olive oil to create a glossy glaze. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Serve: Place the lamb chops back in the pan, turning them in the glaze to coat thoroughly. Arrange the sticky lamb chops on plates, alongside the roasted baby carrots and garlic. Spoon over any remaining glaze from the pan.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 35g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 2-3 people
This Sticky Lamb Chops recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the exquisite taste of lamb, enhanced by the bright flavors of orange and thyme. The roasted baby carrots add a sweet, earthy balance, making this dish a well-rounded and impressive meal for any occasion.
