Honey Garlic Butter Lamb Cutlets

Honey Garlic Butter Lamb Cutlets

For this recipe, there are a few standouts. First is honey. People might be used to pairing their lamb with mint sauce, perhaps some paprika, maybe even a little lemon and black pepper – but honey? Yes! Honey! Lamb is decadent and rich. You know what decadent and rich recipes need? A little bit of sweetness to balance it. So, just a tablespoon of honey and a dash of brown sugar is all that’s needed to make this sweet and sticky sauce.

Exploring different lamb recipes can be a delightful culinary adventure, and this honey garlic butter lamb cutlet is a perfect place to start.

Introduction to Garlic Butter Lamb

Garlic butter lamb is a classic and delicious recipe that brings together the rich flavor of lamb with the savory goodness of garlic butter. This dish is perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting while sticking to familiar flavors. The combination of garlic and butter creates a balanced and simple flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the rich, savory taste of lamb. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, garlic butter lamb is an excellent option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors of the lamb to shine, making it a truly delightful recipe.

Let’s talk Soy Sauce

The other stand out ingredient in these Honey Garlic Butter Lamb Cutlets is soy sauce. Traditionally reserved for Asian cooking, soy sauce is finding its way through to other cuisines as it’s umami flavour is a great pairing. Soy sauce has a complex, umami-rich flavor profile that is both savory and slightly salty. Depending on the type of soy sauce, there may also be notes of sweetness, especially in sweeter varieties like sweet soy sauce. Some also carry subtle earthy, toasted, or even slightly tangy undertones, as the fermentation process brings out different flavors.

Soy sauce works beautifully in this recipe and cannot be skipped!  A pinch of freshly ground black pepper can further enhance the umami flavor of the soy sauce, adding a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the honey. For this recipe I recommend a light soy sauce (avoid the thick heavy ones that can be a little syrupy).

Choosing the Right Cut of Lamb Chops

When it comes to choosing the right cut of lamb chops, there are several options to consider. Rib chops (lamb cutlets), loin chops, and sirloin chops are all popular choices, but lamb cutlets often stand out for their tenderness and flavor. lamb cutlets are cut from the rib section of the lamb and are known for their rich, meaty flavor and tender texture. They are also relatively easy to cook and can be pan-seared to perfection in a cast iron skillet. When selecting lamb cutlets, look for ones that are about 1-1.5 inches thick and have a good balance of fat and lean meat. This ensures that the chops remain juicy and flavorful during cooking.

Honey Glaze and Marinade

A honey glaze marinade can add an extra layer of flavor to your garlic butter lamb chops. A simple honey glaze made with honey, brown sugar, garlic, and lemon juice can be brushed over the lamb chops during the last few minutes of cooking, creating a sweet and sticky finish. To make the glaze, mix together a tablespoon of honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce, minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice. For a marinade, combine olive oil, minced garlic, and your favorite dried herbs. Marinate the lamb chops in this mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This not only infuses the meat with flavor but also helps to tenderize it. 

Garlic Butter Lamb Cutlets

Why lamb cutlets? A lamb cutlet is a tender, flavorful piece of meat that comes from the rib section of a lamb. It is typically cut between the ribs, leaving a small portion of bone exposed, which gives it an elegant presentation when served. Lamb cutlets are known for their rich, savory taste and are often grilled, pan-fried, or roasted. Seasoning the lamb cutlets with freshly ground black pepper and kosher sea salt before cooking can elevate their rich, savory taste. The meat is usually seasoned with herbs and spices, such as rosemary, garlic, and thyme, to enhance its natural flavor. When cooked properly, lamb cutlets have a juicy, tender interior with a crispy, golden exterior.

How to tell your lamb cutlet is cooked to medium doneness

To tell if your lamb cutlet is cooked to perfection, you can use a few different methods:

1. Internal Temperature:
   The most reliable way to check if a lamb cutlet is cooked is by using a meat thermometer.

   • Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)

   • Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)

   • Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)

   • Medium-well: 150–155°F (66–68°C)

   • Well-done: 160°F (71°C) and above

2. Touch Test:
   If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use the touch test. Gently press the center of the cutlet with your finger or tongs:

   • Rare: The meat will feel soft and springy.

   • Medium-rare: It will feel slightly firmer, but still have a little give.

   • Medium to well-done: It will feel firm with little to no give.

1. Color and Juices:
   For a quick visual check, you can also cut into the thickest part of the cutlet. If the meat is slightly pink and the juices run clear, it’s medium-rare. For more well-done lamb, the meat will be more uniformly brown, and the juices will no longer be pink.

2. Cooking Time:
   Depending on the thickness of your cutlets and your desired level of doneness, lamb cutlets typically take 2 – 3 minutes per side for medium-rare when grilled or pan-seared over medium-high heat.

These methods should help ensure your lamb cutlet is cooked exactly how you like it. Keep in mind that lamb tends to stay juiciest when cooked medium-rare to medium.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Lamb

Garlic butter lamb chops are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and sautéed greens. The garlic butter sauce can also be served as a dipping sauce, perfect for sopping up with crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, consider serving the lamb chops with a side of couscous, rice or quinoa, which can help to soak up the flavorful sauce. The combination of these sides with the rich, savory lamb makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Lamb

When cooking lamb, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most frequent errors is overcooking the lamb, which can result in tough and dry meat. To avoid this, make sure to cook the lamb to the recommended internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. Another mistake is not letting the lamb rest before serving, which can cause the juices to run out of the meat. To avoid this, let the lamb rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Finally, be sure to use a cast iron skillet or a large skillet to cook the lamb, as this will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the lamb from cooking too quickly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your lamb chops turn out perfectly every time.