| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 23g | 9g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 25g | 0.87g |
As someone who hails from the heartland of Nebraska, I have a certain fondness for dishes that capture the essence of comfort and simplicity. But no culinary journey is complete without a detour through the gourmet. A perfect example is the Perilla and Mint Lamb Chops. This fruit-based recipe is a stellar exhibit of how easily you can transform everyday ingredients into a gourmet dish that’s brimming with flavor and just enough complexity to intrigue your taste buds, whilst never straying too far from comfort.
A brilliant infusion of East meets West
The Perilla and Mint Lamb Chops is a recipe that cleverly marries Midwestern rusticity with a whisper of Asian culinary undertones, thanks to ingredients like perilla leaves, ginger, and soy sauce. It’s somewhat reminiscent of a Vietnamese-style grilled lamb served over rice or noodles (Viet World Kitchen). Yet despite its exotic undertones, it remains faithful to a homestyle generosity that’s at the heart of Midwestern cooking.
Health in every bite
What makes this lamb chop recipe a true keeper isn’t just its delightful flavor profile, but its health benefits as well. Lamb is a great source of protein, crucial for muscle repair and growth. It’s also rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, nutrients that promote blood health, strengthen immunity, and support brain function (Healthline). We’ve got garlic and ginger here too, each a powerhouse of medicinal benefits linked to heart health and anti-inflammatory properties (Medical News Today). Add to these the high levels of antioxidants in perilla leaves and mint (NCBI), and you’ve got yourself a blend of enticing flavors that also goes a long way in taking care of your body.
When it comes to fostering a large family like I aspire to, hearty health-packed recipes like this Perilla and Mint Lamb Chops are certainly something to take note of. They don’t just bring joy to the table but contribute to the overall well-being of each family member.
Delicious when served with a simple salad or roasted vegetables, this lamb chop recipe also works well in the winter months alongside a comforting bowl of potato or corn chowder (Taste of Home). It’s versatility certainly makes it worthy of a recurring spot on your dinner rotation!
What You’ll Need
- 6 lamb chops
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, finely grated
- 12 perilla leaves
- 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Method
Step One
First, season the lamb chops with salt and pepper. Set them aside while the rest of the ingredients are prepared.
Step Two
Prepare the marinade by combining the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lemon zest and juice in a large bowl. Stir this well to mix.
Step Three
Place lamb chops in the marinade. Ensure that both sides of the chops are well coated, then cover the bowl and let these chill in the fridge for at least one hour. If possible, it’s best to let them marinate overnight for better flavor penetration.
Step Four
While the chops are marinating, heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the sliced red onion and cook until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized. Once done, remove the onion from the skillet and set it aside.
Step Five
Once the lamb chops have marinated adequately, heat a grilling pan or a skillet over a medium-high heat. Grill each side of the lamb chops for about 4-5 minutes pending on how well done you prefer your lamb.
Step Six
Immediately after taking them off the grill, arrange the chops on a plate and place the perilla leaves, caramelized onions, and chopped fresh mint on top.
Step Seven
Drizzle any remaining marinade over the chops. Serve them hot and enjoy this delicious Perilla and Mint Lamb chops!
