The Perfect Lamb Chops: Bbq At 400 For Tender Meat

Lamb chops are a delicious meal, but getting the cooking time right is essential to ensure you don't overcook or dry out the meat. In this article, we'll be exploring how long to cook lamb chops on a BBQ at 400 degrees for the perfect result. We'll also cover some tips and tricks to ensure your lamb chops are juicy and full of flavour.

How long to cook lamb chops at 400 on the BBQ

Lamb chops are a delicious and simple meal to cook on the BBQ. They are a true thing of beauty when done right on the grill. Here is a guide on how long to cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preparation

Firstly, you will want to trim any excess fat from the edges of the lamb chops. This will help to reduce flare-ups when grilling. Leave any internal fat, as this will add flavour. Next, brush both sides of the chops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried rosemary. Leave the meat out of the refrigerator for around half an hour to come up to room temperature.

Grill Preparation

If using a gas grill, heat it with the lid closed for 10 to 15 minutes. For a charcoal grill, start the coals in a chimney and then spread them out to create three zones: no coals, one layer of coals, and two layers of coals. Once the grill is ready, carefully oil the grates with a paper towel dabbed in vegetable oil.

Cooking

Place the lamb chops on the grill and cook over high heat with the lid open. If there are any flare-ups, move the chops to a cooler part of the grill. After around four minutes, turn the chops and cook for another four to five minutes for chops that are about one inch thick. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the temperature outside. For medium-rare lamb chops, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop should read 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting

Once the lamb chops have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and cover them. Let the meat rest for around five minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute, making the chops juicy and tender.

Serving

Lamb chops go well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with roasted garlic, smoked tomato couscous, grilled asparagus, or a salad. For an extra burst of freshness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chops just before serving.

What temperature to cook lamb chops on the BBQ

Lamb chops are a delicious treat, but it's important to cook them correctly to get the best results. Here's a guide to help you master the art of grilling lamb chops.

Choosing the Right Lamb Chops

When selecting lamb chops for grilling, you have a few options: shoulder chops, rib chops, or loin chops. Shoulder chops are the most economical, but they have more fat and connective tissue, which can make them chewy. Rib chops and loin chops are cut from the centre and back of the lamb, respectively, and offer a smoother flavour and more meat. Loin chops, in particular, resemble tiny T-bone steaks, making them a cute and popular choice.

Preparing the Lamb Chops

Before grilling, trim any excess fat from the edges of the chops to reduce flare-ups. Then, brush both sides of the chops with olive oil and sprinkle them with your choice of seasonings, such as rosemary, salt, and pepper. You can also marinate the lamb chops in the refrigerator for an hour or overnight for more flavour.

Setting Up the Grill

If using charcoal, light a full chimney of charcoal and wait for it to be fully lit and covered with grey ash. For a gas grill, preheat with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes.

Arrange the coals or heating elements to create a two-zone fire, with one side of the grill having direct high heat and the other side being cooler. This setup allows you to control the cooking temperature and prevent excessive charring.

Grilling the Lamb Chops

Once the grill is ready, oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. Place the lamb chops on the grill and cook over high heat with the lid open. If flare-ups occur, move the chops to the cooler side of the grill until the flames die down.

For medium-rare lamb chops, grill for about 4 minutes on each side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 130°F (54°C). For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Resting and Serving

After grilling, remove the lamb chops from the heat, cover them, and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your lamb chops are juicy and tender. Then, serve and enjoy!

How to prep the lamb chops for the BBQ

How to prep lamb chops for the BBQ

Choosing your lamb chops

You have a few options when it comes to choosing lamb chops for the BBQ. You could go for economical shoulder chops, which are cut from the front of the animal and have a lot of flavour, but are a little chewy. Or you could opt for rib chops, which are cut from the centre of the lamb and have a smooth flavour and a long rib bone with an eye of meat at the end. They usually look great and are a prized cut. Finally, you could choose loin chops, which are meatier and cut from between the ribs and the leg. These often look like tiny T-bone steaks.

Preparing your lamb chops

When you've chosen your chops, trim off any hard pieces of fat from around the edges, leaving the internal fat in place. Then, brush both sides of the chops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and dried rosemary. Leave the meat to come up to room temperature for about half an hour.

Marinading your lamb chops

If you want to add extra flavour to your lamb chops, you can marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper. Leave them in the fridge, covered, for at least an hour or even overnight.

Getting your BBQ ready

If you're using a gas BBQ, heat it up with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes. If you're using charcoal, start the coals in a chimney and then spread them out to create three zones: no coals, one layer of coals, and two layers of coals. Carefully oil the grates with a paper towel dabbed in vegetable oil.

What to serve with lamb chops

Lamb chops are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas for what to serve with lamb chops to make your meal delicious and memorable:

Mediterranean-inspired dishes

Mediterranean cuisine is a natural companion to lamb chops, especially Greek dishes. Consider serving an authentic Greek salad, which notably does not contain any lettuce. Tzatziki, a yogurt sauce with cucumber and dill, is another classic Greek option that pairs well with lamb. For a heartier option, try Greek roasted lamb and potatoes, which typically includes zucchini and tomato. Don't forget the bread to soak up the delicious gravy!

Vegetable sides

Vegetables are a great way to round out your meal and provide some colour on the plate. Asparagus, peas, and spring onions are classic choices for lamb chops. You could also try something different like a wheat berry salad with peas, radishes, and dill, or a spinach pomegranate salad with red onion, walnuts, and feta cheese. Grilled eggplant with a balsamic marinade is another tasty option.

Starch options

Potatoes are always a popular choice, and there are several ways to prepare them. Try roasted new red potatoes, mustard roasted potatoes, or Hasselback potatoes with macadamia nut pesto. For something a little different, polenta is a common accompaniment to lamb.

Salads

A fresh salad can complement the richness of lamb chops. Try a spring orzo salad with asparagus and peas, or a halloumi three-bean salad with pomegranate-harissa vinaigrette. If you're short on time, a simple spinach and feta dish can be prepared in just ten minutes.

Sauces and seasonings

Mint is a classic pairing with lamb, so consider a mint sauce or mint jelly to accompany your chops. You could also try a gremolata, a whole-grain mustard, or even some hummus for a heavier flavour profile. When it comes to seasonings, garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon, and fennel are all excellent choices to enhance the flavour of lamb.

How to know when lamb chops are done on the BBQ

Lamb chops are a delicious and simple meal to cook on the BBQ, but how can you tell when they're done? Here are some tips to help you determine when your lamb chops are perfectly cooked.

Firstly, it's important to note that lamb chops are best cooked between rare and medium. A thick-cut chop cooked directly over high heat will char too much on the outside before the meat is cooked to your desired doneness internally. To avoid this, use a two-zone approach by creating hot and cold zones on your grill. This allows you to sear the chops and slowly cook them separately, ensuring a perfect combination of doneness and crust.

When grilling lamb chops, it's best to use a meat thermometer to check their doneness. For medium-rare lamb chops, which is a popular doneness level, remove the chops from the grill when they reach an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can estimate the doneness of your lamb chops by grilling them for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on their thickness.

Another way to tell if your lamb chops are done is to look for char marks and a deep brown colour on the outside. This indicates that the chops have been seared properly. Also, the chops should feel firm to the touch when pressed gently with a spatula or tongs.

Once you've determined that your lamb chops are done, it's important to let them rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your chops are juicy and tender.

In conclusion, when grilling lamb chops, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, or estimate the cooking time based on the thickness of the chops. Look for char marks and a deep brown colour, and let the chops rest before serving. By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked lamb chops every time!

Frequently asked questions