Description
Red Wine-Pomegranate Glazed Lamb Chops are tender, juicy, and finished with a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce that balances richness with brightness. The lamb develops a caramelized crust while the glaze reduces to a silky finish. It’s a refined yet approachable dish that comes together quickly for a special weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 lamb rib chops (about 1–1.5 inches thick, trimmed)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 2 cloves garlic (lightly crushed)
- 1 small shallot (finely minced)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped, or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 3/4 cup pomegranate juice (100% juice, no added sugar)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup as substitute)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for finishing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until fully heated; the oven should feel hot when you open the door.
- Season Lamb: Pat lamb chops dry and season with salt and pepper; let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes until slightly tacky.
- Sear Chops: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 400°F) for 2 minutes; sear lamb chops 3 minutes per side until deeply browned with a golden crust.
- Transfer to Oven: Move skillet to oven and roast for 6–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare and juices run slightly pink.
- Rest Meat: Remove lamb from pan and rest on a plate for 5 minutes; meat should feel springy and juices redistribute.
- Build Base: In the same pan over medium heat (around 350°F), cook shallots and garlic for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze: Add red wine and simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half and slightly syrupy.
- Add Pomegranate: Stir in pomegranate juice and honey; simmer 8–10 minutes until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Finish Glaze: Remove from heat and whisk in butter until glossy; sauce should look smooth and slightly sticky.
- Serve: Return lamb chops to pan or plate and spoon glaze over top; serve immediately while hot and shiny.
Notes
- You can substitute lamb loin chops if rib chops are unavailable; adjust cooking time slightly for thickness.
- The glaze can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator; reheat gently before serving.
- Store leftover lamb chops in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through without drying out.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or couscous to complement the sauce.
- For another savory dinner idea, try Baked Chicken Drumsticks.
Nutrition
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