Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe

With this recipe I smoke, grill and braise Lamb Shoulder Chops until they are fork tender and serve them with mashed potatoes and grill carrots. Lamb is an excellent protein to prepare on the grill. It has a rich flavor with a slight hint of sweetness from the pastures it grazes. Typically lamb is butchered into 3 primals: The forequarter (shoulder, neck and front legs,) hindquarter (back legs and hip area), and the loin (rib section).

For this recipe I’m using the shoulder cut into 1” thick chops. The shoulder has more connective tissue, so it needs time to break down which makes it perfect for a longer cook on the grill. Lamb pairs well with fresh herbs and smoke; I use a simple rub of fresh rosemary, minced garlic, Kosher salt, coarse ground black pepper, and fresh lemon zest to season the outside. Drizzle the outside of the chops with olive oil and apply a good coat of the seasonings to both sides.

The cooking process is two steps. First brown the outside to develop flavor and then cook with a braising liquid to tenderize. Any grill can be used to cook this recipe just set it up for indirect cooking at 325 degrees. I’m cooking on my Memphis Wood Fire Grill running cherry pellets for flavor. The cherry wood produces a sweet smoke that goes great with lamb.

First the Chops go directly on the cooking grate for about 30 minutes. While the color is developing on the outside, place a dutch oven or roasting pan on the grill (you could do this step on the stove top).

Add a little olive oil and butter to the dutch oven and sweat down onion just until it begins to brown. Throw in some minced garlic and more fresh rosemary and cook for just a couple minutes then add the liquids: red wine, beef broth, and chicken stock (about a cup each). Bring the liquid to a simmer and reduce to concentrate the flavor.

onions and seasoning in a cast iron skillet

Once the chops are browned on both sides move them to the braising liquid and cover with a lid. Continue to cook at 325 degrees for 2 1/2 hours or until the meat shreds easily with a fork. I like to serve it family style on a big platter of mashed potatoes with roasted carrots.

Yukon Gold Homestyle Mashed Potatoes – 3 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes – 1 cup heavy cream – 8 Tablespoons butter – ½ cup sour cream – 1 teaspoon salt – ½ teaspoon black pepper Fill large pot ½ full with warm water, season with salt and bring to boil. Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes and boil until tender – about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain potatoes and mash using a potato masher or mixer. Add remaining ingredients and whisk to combine. Taste for seasoning and serve hot.

You can cook the carrots right on the grill as well. Wash and peel whole carrots, drizzle with olive oil and season with simple Salt and Pepper. They’ll need about 30 minutes to cook.

lamb shoulder chops and roasted carrots recipe

Arrange the pieces of tender, juicy lamb over the potatoes and drizzle with a little of the braising liquid. Place the carrots on the side and garnish with chopped parsley. This lamb will absolutely melt in your mouth. The rich flavors from fresh herbs and wine create a truly special dish. Print