This is a very simple lamb dish that I came up with since moving to Australia. Lamb in Italy are much smaller than they are here and it is not easy to find some cuts of meat. I don’t remember seing this kind of cutlets at the supermarkets in Italy… but I haven’t been back for a few years now, so things might have changed. Anyhow, what l like the most about this dish is the marinade, as it gives the lamb a nice zesty kick. I like using both orange and lemon as the sweetness of the orange balances the tanginess of the lemon, giving the marinade just the right flavour. You can grill or bake these cutlets or you can even barbecue them and they go perfectly well with my couscous salad. Enjoy!
Ingredients for 4 persons:
12 lamb cutlets
For the marinade:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 pinch of salt
1 pinch of pepper
1 big clove of garlic, halved
2 tbsp dry mixed herbs (I used thyme, rosemary, marjoram, basil, oregano, sage)
1 orange (zest and juice)
1 lemon (zest and juice)
To prepare the marinade put all the ingredients in a large ziploc bag capable of holding the marinade and the cutlets. Shake it until well mixed and then add the lamb cutlets. Seal the bag and marinate in the fridge for 3 to 6 hours.
Remove the lamb cutlets from the Ziploc bag and discard the marinade. Place them in a non stick oven tray without adding any oil as they will cook in their own fat.
Bake them on high heat so they brown on the outside and remain pinkish on the inside. The cooking time will vary according to the size and thickness of the cutlets and according to how “well done” you like to eat lamb. You can also grill or barbecue these cutlets.
Serve warm with some cherry tomatoes, a simple green salad or, even better, with some of my couscous salad on the side.
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Thank you for this refreshing recipe. The citrus flavours tenderize the meat so well that it almost melts in the mouth. Thank you.
What a great marinade. I don’t eat meat myself but made these when we had visitors. My hubby who’s not really into lamb absolutely loved these. He’s asked that I make them again for our Aussie day BBQ! Thanks Manu. This recipe is def a winner!!!
Hi, This recipe looks absolutely delicious, but I need a little extra help. Can anyone give me an approximate on what temperature and how long for medium chops. I don’t like meat too too rare. Thanks
Hi Diane! I actually like these chops well done as I love them crunchy… 😉 The exact cooking time depends on how thick they are, but I usually cook them for about 20 minutes at 200C – 390F. At that point, just cut one in half and check it. It’s the easiest way to get them right the way you like them. Hope it helps!
Thank you so much for your help and quick response. I can’t wait to buy lamb chops this week and try them
This marinade sounds wonderful for lamb! I have some lamb chops in the freezer so I will definitely give this marinade a try very soon! Thanks!
Seems really good….never tried any lamb recipe…will surely try this version
Manu, this sounds really lovely. Like your pizza review, I think these need to be picked up and eaten with the hands, wasting not a morsel. Oh my tummy is rumbling now!
I love lamb, but Ryan and the girls don’t…so very seldom do I cook it. This post of yours just made me miss it more. I love your marinade…maybe I’ll just try it with beef or pork so Ryan and the girls would eat it.
Australian lamb is really tender and flavorful. I remember eating a lot of it when I visited some years back. Your marinade with the orange, lime juice, and herbs sounds really good. Will give it a try one of these days. 🙂
Boy oh boy .. look at that juicy lamb chop. I am trying to get back to salad with all the heat rising up and you are tempting me with that lamb chop !!!
Seriously, looking very delicious .. and i can see the flavor you added 🙂
So simple and so delicious. They look simply perfect!!!
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
Hi Manu! Although I’m not a lamb eater, this looks really good! My husband loves lamb…maybe I can make a lamb version for him and kids and beef version for myself. It’s roasted perfectly! I love the amount of zests in the bag. It must be really good.
Looks simple and delicious.
Lamb is my favorite meat and made this way is heaven! You can get this cut in Italy but it is not quite as common or cheap (I imagine) as it is over there. Yum
Secondo me la carne è uno fra i soggetti più difficili da fotografare… ottimo lavoro Manu: le tue costolette hanno un aspetto magnifico! La ricetta è completamente nuova per me, molto bella!
Hi Manu! Although I seldom eat lamb but your lamb cutlets look very tempting! Love the combinations of orange and lemon! 😀
That’s a very good way of marinating in a ziploc bag, sealing all the goodness and aroma of marinade!(Why didn’t I think of that? LOL) I must try it! ^.^
Hope you had a wonderful weekend! 😀
Looks delicious!
Manu, your herb mix sounds wonderful! I’ve never cooked with marjoram…. you’ve inspired me! Happy Sunday!
I think lamb chops are my favorite cut! And I love the way you’ve marinated them… yummy zesty, citrus-y flavors… I’m sure that tasted really good! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Gorgeous! I love how simple this recipe is…right up my alley!
This looks so lovely. I love the flavors of orange with lamb. Lamb ribs are sooo good. I havent been able to find them here. Will have to keep an eye open for them!
Drool-worthy! Great marinade. Gonna have to pinch that 🙂 Buzzed!
This looks great as usual!
I particularly love the citrus in the marinade, I am sure it cuts through the fattiness and wildness of the lamb greatly and give it a really nice brightness.
I love marinate meat… and lamb must be exceptional marinated, ’cause it’s so fat!
I usually buy lamb at the local open market, and lamb aren’t big, ma not so small.. but I don’t know how big they are in Australia, so I can’t judge 😛
I love rib chops, they’re the best!
Gorgeous chops, Manu! And such a fabulous marinade. Hubby would love these, so we’ll add them to our rotation soon 🙂
the ingredients are simple and it’s easy to produce, I also notice the cut of the lamb yes it is rare even in my country can see a same kind. just looking at the picture, think I smell it from here.
I have never tried lamb cutlets..I want to ..I really do but whenever I pick them up I put them back lol
I think your recipe will encourage me to finally do it
Hi Manu, now that I know that orange is one of your favourite ingredients, I know this is one of your choicest dishes. Lovely picture of the lamb cutlets! The dash of herbs surely will do the trick.