The Perfect Lamb Cutlets: Bbq Timing Tips

Lamb cutlets are a delicious and tender cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, grilling, and barbecuing. When barbecuing lamb cutlets, it is important to ensure that the barbecue is very hot before placing the cutlets on the grill. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the cutlets and your personal preference for doneness. For medium-rare cutlets, cook for a few minutes on each side, and for well-done cutlets, simply cook for a little longer. In general, lamb cutlets are quick to cook and easy to eat, making them a popular choice for barbecues and entertaining.

Marinade and seasoning

Lamb cutlets can be seasoned with salt and pepper, but if you want to make a little extra effort, you can try marinating them. Marinating lamb cutlets can tenderise the meat and infuse it with flavour.

A simple marinade can be made by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano. You can also add some red wine vinegar to cut through the richness of the lamb, or pomegranate molasses for a zingy flavour. For a Portuguese-style marinade, try mixing vinegar, olive oil, paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic, and chilli. You could also try a garlic, lemon, and paprika marinade, adding olive oil, lemon rind, honey, and oregano or thyme.

Once you have made your marinade, coat the lamb cutlets and leave them covered in the fridge for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours. The longer you leave them, the more intense the flavour will be. After marinating, shake off the excess marinade and put the lamb cutlets on the barbecue.

BBQ temperature

When barbecuing lamb cutlets, it is important to ensure that the barbecue is very hot. The temperature of the grill will impact the cooking time and the final texture of the meat.

If you are using a gas grill, let it heat up with the lid closed for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. This will allow the grates to get hot, creating attractive grill marks and adding to the radiant heat. If you are using charcoal, start your 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. Peanut oil works great for this.

When the barbecue is hot, place the lamb cutlets on the grill. For medium-rare lamb cutlets, grill them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side over medium-high heat. If you prefer your meat cooked medium, leave the cutlets on the grill for a few minutes longer. For well-done lamb cutlets, simply cook them for a little longer again.

An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the lamb cutlets. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 135°F. For medium, the temperature should be 145°F, and for well-done, the temperature should be 160°F.

After removing the lamb cutlets from the grill, let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender cutlet.

Cooking time

The cooking time for lamb cutlets on a BBQ will depend on how well you like your meat cooked. As a rule, lamb cutlets are best served pink in the middle, with a deep caramelised crust. The internal temperature of a lamb chop served pink in the middle should be around 57˚C.

If you like your lamb cooked medium-rare, look for a soft and springy texture. For a medium texture, the meat should be firm and springy. Well-done meat will be firm.

For a medium-rare lamb cutlet, place the lamb on the hottest part of the BBQ and cook for 2–4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the meat. For a medium cutlet, cook for a few minutes longer on each side. For well-done meat, cook for a couple of minutes more on each side.

When the meat is cooked to your liking, remove it from the BBQ and leave it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Resting time

After removing the lamb cutlets from the BBQ, it is crucial to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. The resting time ensures that the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavourful cutlet. The optimal resting time for lamb cutlets is generally considered to be around 5 minutes. During this time, the cutlets should be kept in a warm place.

For instance, a recipe for Portuguese-style BBQ lamb cutlets suggests setting the cooked lamb cutlets aside for 5 minutes to rest. Similarly, a recipe for barbecued lamb cutlets with tomato, almond, and chilli salsa recommends resting the cutlets in a warm place for 5 minutes. This resting time ensures the meat retains its moisture and flavour.

The length of resting time can also depend on the desired doneness of the lamb cutlets. For instance, if you prefer your lamb cutlets well done, you may need to cook them a little longer on the BBQ and then adjust the resting time accordingly. It is important to note that the internal temperature of a lamb cutlet served pink in the middle should be around 57˚C.

Additionally, the thickness of the lamb cutlets can also impact the resting time. Thicker cutlets may require a slightly longer resting time compared to thinner ones to ensure even distribution of juices. However, as a general rule, 5 minutes is a good resting time for lamb cutlets cooked on the BBQ to achieve the perfect result.

Accompaniments

Lamb cutlets are a delicious dish to cook on the barbecue, and there are several accompaniments that can enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas to consider:

Salads

A fresh summer salad can be the perfect side dish to lamb cutlets. Try a crunchy fennel salad, or a vibrant white bean, feta, and mint salad. For something more substantial, Shaun Rankin's Warm salad of Jersey Royals with goat's cheese, pine nuts, and figs is a delicious option.

Marinades and Sauces

A good marinade can add extra flavour to your lamb cutlets. A simple combination of olive oil, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme is always a winner. For a spicier kick, add some chilli or spices like coriander, cumin, or mustard. If you're feeling adventurous, try a pomegranate molasses marinade for a unique zingy flavour. Don't forget to let the lamb absorb the flavours of the marinade for at least an hour, or even overnight.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled aubergine is a great option to pair with lamb cutlets, especially for a Japanese-style dish. You can also serve the lamb with roasted aubergine with pomegranates and parsley.

Salsa

A tasty salsa can add a fresh and tangy twist to your lamb cutlets. Try a tomato, almond, and chilli salsa, or experiment with adding sweet cherry tomatoes for a unique texture.

Sides

Some simple sides to consider are lemon cheeks and yoghurt or crème fraîche. These can help balance the flavours of the lamb and provide a refreshing contrast.

Drinks

To complete the meal, consider pairing your lamb cutlets with a glass of Pinot Gris. The 2013 La Bohème Act Three Pinot Gris & Friends from Victoria's Yarra Valley is a great choice to match the delicacy of the dish.

Frequently asked questions