Mutton Chops Recipe – When contemplating non-vegetarian appetizers, lamb chops often come to mind. They are quick to prepare and consist of tender, succulent meat best enjoyed warm. Surprisingly simple to make, lamb chops offer a delightful taste experience. You have the flexibility to cook them in an oven (Oven Lamb Chops) or on a flat pan (Tawa). I’ll guide you through both methods here. If you’re particularly fond of mutton, you can apply the same recipe to prepare mutton chops, allowing you to enjoy your preferred chops right at home.
What are mutton chops?
Mutton chops are cuts taken from the rib area of a goat, and occasionally from sheep.
What are lamb chops?
Lamb chops are cuts from the rib section of a lamb. This part of the lamb is considered premium due to its tenderness and delicious flavor. Typically, lamb chops are cooked individually using methods like baking in an oven, grilling, barbecuing, or pan-frying on a tawa. When a set of connected lamb chops is cooked together, it’s known as a rack of lamb.
Method of cooking lamb chops
You can prepare both lamb and mutton chops using various methods such as in an oven, on a tawa, or on a barbecue grill. I will outline the steps for each method—oven, tawa, and BBQ—in this guide.
The secret to achieving a flavorful mutton or lamb chop lies in the marination process. The longer the chops are allowed to marinate, the more delicious they will become. For optimal flavor, I suggest marinating the chops for a minimum of eight hours. In the recipe I provide, I utilize a technique of double marination for even deeper flavor.
Preparation of Chops:
- Rinse the chops thoroughly.
- Place them in a colander to allow all excess water to drain off.
Marinade Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, combine coriander powder, red chili powder, salt, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and vinegar.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Marinating the Chops:
- Add the lamb chops to the spice mixture in the bowl.
- Use your hands to coat the chops evenly with the paste.
- Let the chops marinate for one hour.
Onion Preparation:
- Slice the onion lengthwise.
- Deep fry the onion slices in hot oil until they turn brown.
- Remove the onions and place them on a kitchen towel to cool.
Second Marinade Layer:
- Add dried mint leaves, yogurt, and garam masala to the marinating lamb chops.
- Crush the fried onions with your hands and add them to the bowl.
- Mix well to ensure the chops are evenly coated with the marinade.
Refrigeration:
- Cover the bowl with cling film.
- Refrigerate the marinating chops for at least 8 hours or overnight for optimal flavor infusion.
Various Techniques for Preparing Lamb Chops
Cooking on a Tawa:
- Place a tawa (flat cooking pan) on medium flame and drizzle a little oil.
- Add the chops to the pan and fry until they become tender and flavorful, flipping them regularly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Baking in the Oven:
- Start by heating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius for about 10 minutes.
- Position the lamb chops on a baking sheet and gently coat them with a bit of oil.
- Allow them to cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through and applying another coat of oil to cook evenly on each side.
Grilling on a BBQ:
- Preheat your barbecue until it’s extremely hot.
- Lay the lamb chops on the grill’s hottest part, brushing with oil periodically.
- Flip them every 2-3 minutes. If you prefer your lamb chops well-done, continue to grill and turn until they are thoroughly cooked.
Expert Advice for Lamb or Mutton Chops Recipe
- Opt for fresh, young spring lambs to ensure the juiciest lamb chops. This principle also holds true when preparing mutton chops.
- Regularly flip the chops to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- Cook the meat to your preference, whether rare or well-done. Use a fork or another pointed utensil to test the doneness of the meat; avoid using bare hands as the meat will be hot.
- For optimal flavor, marinate the meat for at least 8 hours or longer.
Storage Recommendations
- Store any leftover lamb chops by wrapping them in aluminum foil and keeping them refrigerated for up to two days. To reheat, remove from the foil, add a little oil, and warm on a tawa or flat skillet over medium heat. If using a microwave, lightly sprinkle water over the chops and heat on medium for two minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the lamb chops hot, accompanied by slices of lemon and onion. A green salad also pairs well with this dish.
- Consider trying lamb loin chops as well, which are a more tender variation of traditional lamb chops.
- For those who enjoy lamb, dishes like Achari Gosht, Lamb Biryani, and Lamb Chops Curry are also worth exploring.