Lamb Loin Chops with Cognac Butter Recipe (2024)

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By Shawn Williams

4.72 from 28 votes

Dec 13, 2022, Updated Mar 11, 2024

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Lamb loin chops or lamb loin arethe filet mignon of lamb. The loin chop resembles a miniatureT-bone steak, containing a portion of the loin and tenderloin. The loin chop isthe leanest and most tender cut of lamb, ideal for cooking quickly at high temperatures for a caramelized outside and juicy pinkinside.

Lamb Loin Chops with Cognac Butter Recipe (2)

Table of Contents

  • Why I Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to Cook Lamb Loin Chops
  • Temperature for Lamb
  • Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Recipes You’ll Love
  • Lamb Loin Chops with Cognac Butter Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

Lamb loin chops with cognac butter is a delicious and immensely flavorful dish with notes of butter, garlic, herbs, and cognac. This recipe comes together quickly and is very simple to master with just a few easy steps.

My loin chops are pan-fried medium-rare using a cast-iron skillet for the ultimate simplicity! This is easily the best way to cook lamb loin chops.

You can also cook lamb chops, which are a slightly different cut. Feeling less adventurous? Go ahead and wrap bacon around a pork tenderloin.

Ingredients

  • Lamb loin chops: look for loin chops that are at least 1 inch thick. This allows you to generously sear the exterior without overcooking the inside and drying out the meat. Loin chops are phenomenal in the medium-rare range.
  • Oil (for searing): you can use vegetable, canola, or avocado oil. These oils have higher smoke points and are best for searing. Clarified butter or ghee is another great option.
  • Garlic: thinly slice the cloves so they hold up better to the hot skillet temps. This helps prevent burning.
  • Fresh oregano and rosemary: do not substitute dry spices! These add awesome flavor and aromatics. No need to remove leaves from the stems. Thyme is another great option!
  • Butter: butter is essential for the cognac butter. You can use salted/unsalted. Assuming you season the lamb enough, you won’t need much additional salt.
  • Cognac or brandy: cognac/brandy adds tremendous flavor to the sauce. The majority of the alcohol will burn off when cooking. You don’t need to use expensive brandy. See also my steak with au poivre sauce for more cooking with cognac!

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.

How to Cook Lamb Loin Chops

Step 1.

Remove loin chops from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Season liberally with salt and pepper.

Step 2.

In a large skillet or stainless steel pan, heat the oil on high until the skillet is hot. Place the loin chops in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. It’s important not to touch or adjust the lamb so the exterior can sear up and form a crust. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Step 3.

Add the butter, cognac, garlic, and fresh herbs (sprigs and all) to the skillet. Swirl the pan to mix once the butter has melted. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, occasionally turning the loin chops to soak up cognac butter sauce. For medium rare, the lamb is done. Sear for an additional minute for each level of doneness; about 3-4 minutes total for medium.

Lamb Loin Chops with Cognac Butter Recipe (3)

Step 4.

Spoon cognac butter over each loin chop before transferring them to a plate. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Lamb Loin Chops with Cognac Butter Recipe (4)

Temperature for Lamb

Perfect medium-rare lamb is served at around 130°F. Use a digital thermometer if you’re unsure. I personally like my lamb served around medium-rare/medium. Always take the meat off the cooking surface 5-10 degrees ahead of the desired final temperature as it will continue to heat as it rests.

DonenessTemperature Range
Rare125°F
Medium rare130-135°F
Medium135-140°F
Medium well145°F
Well done150°F and above

Expert Tips

  • Always take the meat off the cooking surface 5-10 degrees ahead of the desired final temperature as it will continue to heat as it rests.
  • Remove lamb from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking so it can come to room temperature. This ensures more accurate cooking times.
  • Let lamb rest for 10 minutes after cooking and before cutting/serving. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute throughout the meat.
  • Cognac butter can be made with cognac or brandy. Don’t waste expensive cognac! You can also omit it entirely and just use butter.
  • American lamb tends to be less gamey than Australian lamb due to their diet. Always buy fresh quality cuts that are brownish red with white fat. Avoid dull or grey-looking meat with yellowing fat.
  • Searing lamb at high temps in a skillet tends to get smokey. Be prepared to use a vent fan or open a window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between lamb chops and lamb loin chops

Lamb chops, also referred to as lamb lollipops, come from the rib of the lamb. They’re sold presliced in individual segments as pictured or as a whole rack for roasting.

Why is lamb so gamey?

The fatty acid content in lamb produces it’s distinct tangy flavor. American lamb tends to be less gamey than Australian lamb due to their diet. I’ve found lamb loin to be the most mild and flavorful among lamb cuts.

Can u consume lamb Loin medium rare?

Yes. I prefer lamb around 130°F-135°F or medium rare. Medium rare lamb will have a bright pink center and will be juicy and tender. Although the USDA reccomends at least 145°F or well done, this is too overcooked for my liking.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Shakshuka Recipe

Porterhouse Steak Recipe

Maple Bourbon Cornbread Recipe

Enjoy this recipe? If you made this recipe, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!

4.72 from 28 votes

Lamb Loin Chops with Cognac Butter Recipe

By: Shawn Williams

Servings: 4

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

Save

Lamb Loin Chops with Cognac Butter Recipe (9)

Lamb loin chops seasoned with fresh rosemary and oregano and seared in a cognac butter sauce in a cast iron skillet.

Ingredients

  • 4-6 lamb loin chops
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 sprigs fresh oregano
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup cognac or brandy
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Remove loin chops from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Season liberally with salt and pepper.

  • In a large skillet or stainless steel pan, heat the oil on high until the skillet is hot. Place the loin chops in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. It's important not to touch or adjust the lamb so the exterior can sear up and form a crust. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Note, this step can be smokey, use a range vent or open a window.

  • Add the butter, cognac, garlic, and fresh herbs (sprigs and all) to the skillet. Swirl the pan to mix once the butter has melted. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, occasionally turning the loin chops in order to soak up cognac butter sauce. For medium rare, the lamb is done. Sear for an additional minute for each level of doneness; about 3-4 minutes total minutes for medium.

  • Spoon cognac butter over each loin chop before transferring them to a plate. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Always take the meat off the cooking surface 5-10 degrees ahead of the desired final temperature as it will continue to heat as it rests.

Remove lamb from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking so it can come to room temperature. This ensures more accurate cooking times.

Let lamb rest for 10 minutes after cooking and before cutting/serving. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute throughout the meat.

Cognac butter can be made with cognac or brandy. Don’t waste expensive cognac! You can also omit it entirely and just use butter.

American lamb tends to be less gamey than Australian lamb due to their diet. Always buy fresh quality cuts that are brownish red with white fat. Avoid dull or grey-looking meat with yellowing fat.

Searing lamb at high temps in a skillet tends to get smokey. Be prepared to use a vent fan or open a window.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 1.4gProtein: 14.6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9.5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 129mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 0.1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenswagger or tag #kitchenswagger!

About Shawn Williams

My name is Shawn, author behind Kitchen Swagger. I'm a food & drink enthusiast bringing you my own simple and delicious restaurant-inspired recipes.

Read More About Me

Lamb Loin Chops with Cognac Butter Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook lamb chops in butter or olive oil? ›

Olive oil: A couple of tablespoons of good olive oil are added to the hot pan before the lamb chops. Butter: The butter adds such wonderful flavor to the crust that develops on the lamb chops. Garlic: Smash some fresh garlic cloves to add to the pan.

How do you keep lamb chops from getting tough? ›

Temperature is by far the most critical aspect of cooking lamb chops. Undercooking even tender lamb chops can render them unpleasantly chewy, while overcooking will lead to tough, dried-out meat. Rib chops should be cooked to about 130°F, while loin chops are better at 135°F or even 140°F.

What cooking method is best for lamb? ›

The dry heat of roasting is best for tender cuts of lamb, like the leg, rack, and loin. If you'd like to roast a cut like a lamb shoulder, go for a long, slow roast. If you're cooking a bone-in leg, keep in mind that because of the thicker and thinner portions of the cut you'll get a range of doneness.

Should lamb chops be cooked fast or slow? ›

Lamb chops and steaks, as with beef steaks, should be cooked over a high heat, quickly, and can be quick-roasted, too, depending on how thick they are.

What seasonings go well with lamb? ›

Fresh rosemary, fresh garlic, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt are simple but amazing flavors that pair amazingly with the lamb! Each of these ingredients adds its unique warmth and depth to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Are lamb loin chops a good cut? ›

Lamb Loin (also Lamb Saddle)

The center of the animal, this contains the most tender cuts of lamb meat and is usually presented cut into loin chops or whole as a loin roast. Full of tender meat. Cook: roast, grill, pan fry, braise.

Are lamb chops healthier than beef? ›

One ounce of lamb, grass-fed, has the same number of calories as grass-fed beef but actually has more health-promoting omega 3 fatty acids. People also get worried about lamb's fat content, but lamb actually has less marbling of fat within the meat compared to beef.

Are lamb loin chops healthy? ›

It is a delicious and rich source of protein that has important vitamins and minerals. When consumed in moderation, it is a healthy addition to a well-balanced diet. Like other red meats, lamb can increase your chances of developing certain chronic illnesses. Experts recommend eating red meat in moderation.

Should you marinate lamb chops? ›

Marinating lamb chops can enhance their flavor and tenderness. For an overnight marinade, you can try a mix of olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Marinating can significantly improve taste and texture.

What tenderizes lamb? ›

A lemon juice/olive oil/tarragon marinade quickly tenderizes lamb shoulder chops and adds a lively citrus note.

What does soaking lamb chops in milk do? ›

Marinating the lamb in milk will draw out and settle some of its less pleasant smells and flavors. This method of milk soaking is also used for other meats with overwhelmingly gamey flavors, such as venison.

Should I cook lamb in butter or oil? ›

You may use olive oil if its flavor will compliment the dish, and is to your taste. You could even use animal fat like clarified butter, lard, or bacon fat if you choose, but each of these will bring a unique flavor. You may choose a neutral oil if you want less flavor influence from the oil.

What makes lamb taste better? ›

The big, bold Lamb flavor goes well with spices like coriander seeds, cumin, curry powder, harissa paste, garlic, rosemary, oregano, thyme, black pepper, chilly flakes, and mint. Spices compliment Lamb, but it also holds its flavor with just salt and pepper.

Should I cook lamb on high or low heat? ›

Roast leaner cuts of lamb in a hotter oven (450°F) to get a lovely brown crust and a well-cooked center; cook fattier cuts of lamb low and slow (325°F) to render all the fat and allow the lamb to cook in its juices. Due to residual heat, your lamb will continue to cook even after you pull it out of the oven.

Is it better to cook meat in butter or olive oil? ›

Olive oil is ideal for sauteing and roasting both meat and vegetables due to its high smoke point. It is also a great addition to homemade marinades, dressings and other condiments. Olive oil can also be used in baking in any recipe that calls for melted butter or another kind of oil (such as canola oil).

Is it better to cook with olive oil or butter? ›

Both are cooking fats that offer incredible flavor. However, they have differing ideal uses so it's important to clarify when to use each product. In short, butter is better for making fluffy baked goods such as cakes while olive oil is better for everyday cooking and making dense sweets.

Is it better to cook meat with butter or oil? ›

WHICH IS BEST FOR COOKING STEAK: BUTTER OR OIL? Unlike butter, many oils have higher smoke points, making them the better option for cooking steak. Furthermore, there are some oils e.g. olive oil or grape seed oil that are healthier alternatives to butter. However, don't expect oil to taste better than butter.

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