As I bit into the tender, juicy lamb chops at Longhorn Steakhouse during my last visit, I knew I had to try recreating them at home. These lamb chops were incredibly flavorful with a slight char on the outside while being perfectly pink on the inside. I could taste the savory blend of spices and herbs in the rich meaty flavors of the chops. The sweet and tangy glaze provided the perfect balance to cut through the unctuous lamby flavors.
After some experimenting at home on the grill with different marinades and cooking techniques, I finally cracked the code to making Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Lamb Chops Recipe. The secret is in the special house-made honey ginger glaze that gets liberally brushed on towards the end for the ultimate caramelized finish.
How to Pick High-Quality Lamb Chops
When trying to recreate those melt-in-your-mouth Longhorn Steakhouse lamb chops, it all starts with procuring high-quality lamb racks. Here are some tips on picking racks of lamb that will yield exceptionally flavorful and tender chops:
- Choose domestic lamb rather than imported – American lamb has superb marbling and flavor
- Look for racks with evenly sized chops that are about 1-inch thick
- Seek out chops that are bright pink with white fat caps
- Pick racks that are firm to the touch and not slimy
- Ideally, find chops classified as USDA Prime or Choice grade
Buying the best quality lamb you can find ensures your homecooked chops will be juicy, well-marbled, and full of rich lamb flavor.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse-Style Lamb Chops
With perfectly picked lamb racks, it’s time to recreate those signature Longhorn Steakhouse lamb chops. This method yields a flavorful crust on tender and juicy lamb that mirrors the chops from my favorite steakhouse.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb (or have the butcher process into individual chops)
- 1 lemon
- All-purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- Few dash of Sesame oil
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 2-3 tablespoons of Oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
- 2 tablespoons of Butter
- Fresh thyme
- Avocado oil
Kitchen Appliance
- Sharp Knife
- Bowl
- Skillet
- Oven
- Wire Rack
- Basting Brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the lamb chops
Use a sharp knife to separate the rack of lamb into individual chops. Season both sides with fresh lemon juice and all-purpose seasoning. Let the lamb chops come to room temperature.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In a bowl, mix ginger paste, garlic paste, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and oyster sauce. Adjust the flavors to your liking.
Step 3: Sear the Lamb Chops
Heat a skillet over high heat and add avocado oil. Once hot, place the lamb chops in the skillet and press them down to ensure even searing. Cook for about 60-90 seconds on each side until browned.
Step 4: Add Butter and Thyme
Add butter and fresh thyme to the skillet. Baste the lamb chops with the melted butter mixture.
Step 5: Apply Honey Ginger Sauce
Transfer the lamb chops to a wire rack and brush them with the honey ginger sauce on both sides.
Step 6: Bake in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the lamb chops in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the chops reach your desired level of doneness.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the lamb chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Plate the lamb chops and garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy your delicious Homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Lamb Chops Recipe!
Special Notes
- Let chops sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
- Use a digital instant-read thermometer for perfect medium rare doneness every time.
- Don’t overlook the resting period! It allows juices to redistribute for extra moist lamb.
What to Serve with Longhorn Lamb Chops
These rich, flavorful lamb chops deserve equally delicious side dishes. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Smooth, creamy spuds are the perfect counterpoint
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Charred sprouts balance the fattiness
- Honey-Glazed Carrots – Sweet carrots complement the savory chops
- Wild Rice Pilaf – Nutty, chewy rice soaks up the lamb juices
- Feta Citrus Salad – Bright, fresh flavors cut through the unctuous meat
A nice glass of red wine, like a bold Cabernet or smooth Merlot, is my beverage of choice with lamb. A full-bodied red has enough heft to stand up to the strong flavors of the chops.
Storing and Reheating Lamb Chops
Here are some common leftover storage and reheating tips:
Storage
- Store raw lamb chops tightly wrapped in the coldest part of the refrigerator for 2-3 days max.
- Cooked lamb chops can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
- To reheat cooked lamb chops, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Warm through in a 300°F oven for 4-5 minutes until hot.
- You can also reheat them gently in the microwave, but keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.
- For the best texture and flavor, reheat any reserved glaze or pan sauce separately and spoon over chops just before serving.
Common Questions About Making Lamb Chops at Home
Here are some common FAQs about Longhorn Steakhouse Lamb Chops Recipe;
How do I know when my lamb chops are done?
Check for doneness using an instant-read meat thermometer, looking for 140-145°F for medium rare. Chops this thickness only need 5-7 minutes in the oven.
Can I prepare the chops entirely on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook the lamb chops entirely in a skillet for a quicker weeknight dinner. Just sear them first, then turn down the heat, add some liquid, and cover to finish cooking through.
What seasoning goes well with lamb besides rosemary and thyme?
Garlic, mint, oregano, marjoram, crushed red pepper, za’atar, cumin, and curry powder also pair beautifully with lamb. Get creative with your seasonings!
What if my lamb chops end up overcooked?
Unfortunately overcooked lamb can dry out quickly. Your best bet is to slice the meat thinly and soak up any juices with good mashed potatoes or sauce it and use it shredded in pasta, tacos or pitas.
What wines pair best with lamb chops?
Big, bold Cabernet Sauvignons and Syrahs or even an inky Malbec make excellent pairings with lamb. The weight and tannins of these red wines allow them to stand up to the richness of the chops.
Longhorn Steakhouse Lamb Chops Recipe
Learn how to make Longhorn Steakhouse Lamb Chops Recipe at home for tender, juicy, ginger glazed grilled lamb chops.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb (or have the butcher process into individual chops)
- 1 lemon
- All-purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- Few dash of Sesame oil
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 2-3 tablespoons of Oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
- 2 tablespoons of Butter
- Fresh thyme
- Avocado oil
Kitchen Appliance:
- Sharp Knife
- Bowl
- Skillet
- Oven
- Wire Rack
- Basting Brush
Instructions
- Prepare the lamb chops: Use a sharp knife to separate the rack of lamb into individual chops. Season both sides with fresh lemon juice and all-purpose seasoning. Let the lamb chops come to room temperature.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix ginger paste, garlic paste, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and oyster sauce. Adjust the flavors to your liking.
- Sear the Lamb Chops: Heat a skillet over high heat and add avocado oil. Once hot, place the lamb chops in the skillet and press them down to ensure even searing. Cook for about 60-90 seconds on each side until browned.
- Add Butter and Thyme: Add butter and fresh thyme to the skillet. Baste the lamb chops with the melted butter mixture.
- Apply Honey Ginger Sauce: Transfer the lamb chops to a wire rack and brush them with the honey ginger sauce on both sides.
- Bake in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the lamb chops in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the chops reach your desired level of doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lamb chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Plate the lamb chops and garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy your delicious Honey Ginger Lamb Chops!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 535Total Fat: 35gSodium: 800mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 15gProtein: 30g
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
Final Words
Now you don’t need to head to the steakhouse when those lamb chop cravings hit. With high quality lamb meat and this easy recipe, you can satisfy your longing for tender and juicy lamb chops any night of the week from your home kitchen.
Searing the chops first helps recreate that crispy char while roasting gently cooks them through until tender and pink. A sweet and sticky balsamic glaze adds just the right hit of tangy sweetness to balance the unctuous lamby flavors.
Pair your homestyle Longhorn lamb chops with flavorful sides and a nice glass of Cabernet for a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll want to make over and over again.
So grab a couple of racks of top quality lamb the next time you’re at the butcher. Following this reliable recipe, you’ll be sinking your teeth into incredibly tender, juicy and flavorful lamb chops in no time. Here’s to recreating those crave-worthy Longhorn lamb chops we all know and love!
