Delicious Grilled Lamb Chops with Merlot Marinade Recipe
Are you tired of cooking the same old dishes using the same old ingredients? Are you ready to impress your dinner guests with a show-stopping meal that is both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than this recipe for Grilled Lamb Chops With Merlot Marinade.
Lamb chops are often overlooked in favor of more traditional cuts of meat, but they can be just as flavorful and satisfying when prepared correctly. In this recipe, we’ll marinate the lamb chops in a rich blend of red wine, olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling them to perfection.
Not only is this dish mouthwatering on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes and drinks. Trust us – your taste buds will thank you for trying out this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old, boring recipes for lamb chops? Look no further! This recipe for grilled lamb chops with merlot marinade will leave your taste buds singing with joy.
Firstly, the combination of fresh sage leaves, rosemary, garlic cloves, and onion in the marinade, along with 1/4 cup of dry red wine and 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, will create a flavor explosion in your mouth. The red wine and olive oil also help to tenderize the lamb chops and lock in moisture when grilled.
Secondly, this recipe provides versatility when it comes to substitutions and variations. If you’re not a fan of merlot wine, you can switch it out for a different type of dry red wine. In addition, there are options to use honey instead of sugar, or balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar. This allows for flexibility in altering the recipe to suit personal taste preferences.
Finally, the options for serving and pairing are endless. This dish pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a healthy meal option. Or if you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted potatoes as a side. Not only does this dish make for a scrumptious dinner option, but you can also use leftovers for sandwiches or wraps.
In conclusion, this recipe for grilled lamb chops with merlot marinade is not one to miss out on. With its flavorful marinade and versatile pairing options, it’s sure to become a household staple.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Grilled Lamb Chops with Merlot Marinade:
Essential Marinade Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
Additional Marinade Ingredients:
- 5 lamb chops, 1 inch thick each
- Black Pepper (to taste)
Olive Oil and Rosemary Garlic Sauce Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed and minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
Note: For cooking over a camp oven or roast lamb recipes, you can add cherry or blackberry sauce, herb-crusted rack of lamb, lamb loin chops, lamb shoulder or wine jus (reduction sauce) to enhance the flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Once you have marinated the lamb chops, it’s time to cook them to perfection on a grill. I recommend using a charcoal grill to achieve that smoky flavor, but a gas grill works just fine too.
Preparing the Grill
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Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat – around 400°F.
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Use a brush to oil the grill grates so that the meat doesn’t stick and so that you can make beautiful grill marks.
Grill the Lamb Chops
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Remove the lamb from the marinade and pat dry using paper towels.
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Prepare for grilling by rubbing each chop with some olive oil and seasoning both sides with salt and black pepper.
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Once the grill is ready and hot, take each chop and place it on the grill diagonally to create those charred lines. Close the lid of your grill and start cooking.
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After about 5 minutes, flip the chops over, close the lid again and let cook for another five minutes.
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Use a meat thermometer to check if you cooked your lamb chops properly: for medium-rare (145°F), medium (160°F) or well-done (170°F).
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Once your lamb chops reach your desired internal temperature, remove them from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes on a plate – this step will allow juices settle in and make the meat even more flavorful.
Serving
When ready to serve, drizzle everything with some extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar if preferred.
Grilled asparagus seasoned with salt and black pepper could be served as a side dish for grilled lamb chops.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Lamb Chops With Merlot Marinade, your family will love it!
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to experiment with this recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that you can try to add different flavors and create a unique dish.
Instead of lamb chops, you could use pork chops or chicken breasts. The marinade will work well with any meat that can be grilled. You could also try using other herbs such as thyme, oregano or parsley instead of rosemary and sage.
If you don’t have red wine, you could use white wine or even beer. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be different but still just as delicious. You could also add a bit of orange juice to the marinade for a touch of citrus.
For a sweeter twist, substitute the honey in the marinade with maple syrup. This will create a slightly smoky flavor that goes particularly well with pork chops.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try marinating some portobello mushrooms in the same marinade ingredients as the lamb chops. They can then be grilled for a delicious meat-free meal.
Lastly, if you want to make this recipe spicier, add some chili flakes or chopped jalapeño peppers to the marinade. This will complement the richness and heat of the lamb as it is marinaded giving a new flavor experience when grilled.
Whatever variation you choose, don’t forget to still season with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors within your chosen variation.
Serving and Pairing
This grilled lamb chops with merlot marinade recipe is perfect for an elegant dinner party or a cozy family get-together. The rich and bold flavors of the wine, garlic, and herbs in the marinade pair perfectly with the juicy and tender lamb chops.
When it comes to serving, I recommended garnishing your grilled lamb chops with a sprig of fresh rosemary or sage leaves to impress your guests. For side dishes, I suggest some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes or creamy risotto.
But the highlight of the show will undoubtedly be the marinated lamb chops themselves. They are perfectly charred on the outside while still pink and juicy on the inside, making them a succulent and flavorful main course.
To pair with this dish, you can’t go wrong with a big and bold red wine like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. These full-bodied wines have enough heft to stand up to the strong flavors in the marinade while complementing the richness of the lamb chops.
Overall, this grilled lamb chops with merlot marinade recipe is a show-stopper that will without doubt leave everyone at your table feeling satisfied and impressed oozing sophistication and elegance.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Make-ahead tips:
You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also marinate the lamb chops in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling them, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Storing tips:
If you have any leftover grilled lamb, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked lamb chops in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To defrost, place the frozen lamb chops in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating tips:
To reheat grilled lamb chops, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lamb chops in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet and pour any leftover sauce over them. Cover with foil and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on the stovetop by placing them in a non-stick pan over medium heat until warm.
It’s important not to overcook lamb when reheating as it can become tough and dry. Reheating it gently is key to retaining its juiciness and tenderness.
If you’re short on time and want a quick and easy meal, try slicing leftover grilled lamb chops and adding them to salads, sandwiches or wraps. Lamb is quite versatile and will add a delicious flavor boost to your favorite dishes!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the perfect result while making grilled lamb chops with merlot marinade, it is important to keep in mind some useful tips to make sure that they turn out flavorful and tender. Here are some tips to help you grill the perfect lamb chops every time.
Firstly, marinate the lamb chops for at least four hours or overnight to allow the flavors of the marinade to soak into the meat. This will enhance their taste, and also help them stay moist and tender when grilling.
Secondly, while grilling the lamb chops, you want to achieve that tender and juicy texture while also ensuring that they have a crispy exterior. Therefore, make sure to preheat the grill well before cooking the chops. Also, remember to oil the grill grates before placing the meat over it for even cooking.
Thirdly, when seasoning your lamb chops with black pepper, don’t forget to season generously on both sides for balanced flavor profile.
Fourthly, if you’re using a meat thermometer, avoid overcooking by following these guidelines: 125 °F (52 °C) for rare; 135 °F (57 °C) for medium-rare; 145 °F (63°C) for medium; 150-155°F (65-68°C) for well-done.
Lastly, once cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow their juices to settle inside before carving into them.
By following these tips you can achieve a perfectly cooked grilled lamb chops with merlot marinade that is flavorful and tender each time. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Grilled Lamb Chops with Merlot Marinade recipe is a must-try for any lamb lover or wine enthusiast. The combination of juicy lamb chops marinated in a rich Merlot-based marinade is both indulgent and sophisticated. With a few simple ingredients and steps, this dish can be easily prepared at home for an impressive and flavorful meal.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also offers versatility in its serving and pairing options. Whether enjoyed alone as a main course or paired with a variety of sides such as grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes, the savory flavors of the lamb chops and the tangy taste of the Merlot marinade will provide a satisfying and memorable dining experience.
Furthermore, this recipe is perfect for those who enjoy exploring different wine and food pairings. A glass of the same Merlot used in the marinade will complement the flavors of the dish beautifully, while other full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz can also be served alongside to enhance the meal further.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this Grilled Lamb Chops with Merlot Marinade recipe a try. The combination of succulent lamb chops and rich Merlot flavors will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. So roll up your sleeves, prepare your barbecue grills and embrace your inner chef with this mouth-watering recipe!
Grilled Lamb Chops With Merlot Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, coarsely chopped
- 12 fresh sage leaves, crushed
- 3/4 cup merlot
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 lamb chops
Instructions
- Combine the onion, garlic, sage, wine and olive oil in a large ziplock bag and squish to mix well; add the lamb chops and marinate in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours.
- Drain the lamb chops, reserving marinade.
- Pour reserved marinade into a saucepan and bring to a boil; boil for 5 minutes.
- Arrange lamb chops on a grill rack.
- Brush with the cooked marinade and grill until chops are cooked through (about 10 minutes per side for well done but keep checking to make sure they are not overdone), basting occasionally with the cooked marinade.
- NOTE: If sage or rosemary grown in your garden, use a few sprigs as the marinade brush for extra flavor.
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