Seared Lamb Shoulder Chops

How to Cook Lamb Shoulder Chops on the Stove Top

Cooking lamb shoulder chops requires significantly shorter time than other cuts. The easiest and fastest method to prepare them is to cook them on the stove top in a heavy bottomed skillet (such as cast iron) or a grill-pan.

There are two types of lamb chops depending on which part of the animal's shoulder they are cut from - arm chops and blade chops.

Arm chops are smaller but well marbled which makes them particularly juicy. They contain a cross-section of round arm bone in the middle and have less fat.

For this post we used the larger blade chops which have a good amount of fat and are also nicely marbled (=deliciousness). Below you can also see the elongated, thin cross-sections of shoulder blade that remain in the chops.

The generous fat content and beautiful fat marbling of blade shoulder lamb chops translates to juiciness and great flavor.

Cooking Lamb Shoulder Chops: Step-by-Step

Step 1. If you have the time - make a marinade and let the chops spend some quality time in it. We highly recommend that you marinate them, even if only for half an hour. It is so worth it. Consult our Lamb Chops Marinade Recipes List for ideas and tips.

If you don't have the time - nicely season the room temperature chops with kosher salt and pepper on each side before cooking them. You can add cumin, garlic powder etc. to the salt and pepper or use your favorite premixed seasoning.

For this post we mixed a simple Mediterranean inspired concoction of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, shallots, rosemary, salt and pepper and preserved lemons and a bit of their curing liquid (substitute with lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice).

Step 2. Heat a 10 or 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes. Add about a tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil. Alternatively, heat a grill-pan and generously brush it with oil. 

Next place the chops in the skillet (or grill-pan) and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on how big and thick they are. Flip only once and do not futz with the temperature:). 

TIP: Normally a marinade should be completely scraped off the chops before placing them in the pan, especially if on the acidic side. With this particular marinade we kept some of the bits of shallot, minced cloves garlic, rosemary, and preserved lemon on the meat's surface for the desirable aromas they released in contact with the hot skillet. Once they began to char we simply scraped them off.

If you are making more than two chops we recommend that you use a second skillet and prepare them simultaneously.

For demonstration purposes we used a grilling cast iron skillet for two of the chops and a small cast iron one for the third one for kiddo.

Generally, it is better if you sear all the chops simultaneously in separate skillets than in batches. They will be ready to serve at the same time.

When Will They Be Done?

The exact cooking time depends on how thick and how large your chops are. Lamb shoulder chops are usually cut about an inch thick and are cooked medium-rare when the internal temperature is 125-130 F and medium when it gets to 135 F.

For juicy, pink center and nicely browned flavorful outside go with 3.5 minutes per side. Use a food thermometer to be sure you do not overcook them.

Step 3. Rest the chops before you serve them. Simply move them from the pan to a plate/serving platter and let them sit for 3-5 minutes. You can also cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm.

What to Serve with Pan-Fried Lamb Chops?

As a rule of thumb select the sides for your lamb chops in accordance with the taste of the culinary direction in which the marinade took you. 

• For example, if you made a Middle Eastern style marinade, you can use this recipe for feta cheese, pine nuts and mint couscous.
• In this case with our Mediterranean inspired marinade we made a hearty barley salad with kalamata olives, Italian parsley, feta, red sweet drop peppers and red onions. Fresh rosemary butter or thyme gold potatoes would have been good too. 
• Serve lamb chops prepped in Indian inspired coconut milk curry marinade with garlic naan and dal, mango chutney and rice, or spicy mustard peas. 
• If you didn't use a marinade and instead only seasoned your chops a simple garden salad with fresh herbs will go nicely or perhaps an orzo or other pasta salad. 
• If you are looking for something extra such as fresh mint and vinegar sauce for lamb to dish up with these chops here are some ideas for Sauces for Lamb Chops. 

And so on. Lamb is such a versatile meat that it goes well with hundreds of sides - from lentils and chickpeas to grilled veggies.

Don't forget to take a look at our compilation of Recipes for Lamb Chop Marinades

Craft Beer Pairings for Pan Seared Lamb Shoulder Chops

We enjoy lamb chops almost as often as we do pork chops and dinner is always a breeze to prepare.

Because we live in Colorado, known for its quality American lamb, we feel lucky to have access to various cuts of fresh meat. Colorado lamb is truly superior in quality, one of the best in the world and a prized local product. Just like our awesome craft beer.

Lamb meat famously stands up to bold flavored and strong ales such as Belgian/Trappist ales, especially dubbels and Belgian strong golden ales, but also barley wines, barrel aged brown ales, winter warmers, porters and stouts. Try pairing with beer among these styles during the colder months (they can be far better than red wine).

For lamb shoulder chops aggressively flavored with herbs you will also enjoy hoppy lagers brewed with Noble hops and dry-hopped pale ales which can echo the herbal notes and their carbonation will still cut through the richness of the meat.