Broiled lamb chops look fancy, but they only take a few minutes to make. This recipe is coated with a delicious balsamic glaze that gets rich, smoky notes from a touch of vanilla. Perfect for your next date-night-in!
I created this recipe for my client, Nielsen-Massey. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep me inspired in the kitchen!
Homemade Lamb Chops: Broil Them, Baby!
These broiled lamb chops are hands-down the most delicious thing I’ve eaten in ages. When making healthy recipes, it’s important to choose pure ingredients with complex flavor profiles that keep things interesting. These homemade lamb chops only use a handful of ingredients, but they have major flavor.
Balsamic reduction is always amazing, but I kicked this version up a few notches with woody vanilla extract and a hefty dose of black pepper.
The earthy-sweet-spicy combination blew my mind. I want to eat it on everything!
Vanilla is a staple for baking, but I really love the deep, earthy flavor that it adds to savory recipes. It’s my secret ingredient in everything from a smokey vanilla tomato relish for grilled steak to the perfect vinaigrette for a roast pear salad.
To make these lamb chops
Start by making the glaze. Bring some balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer it until it reduces by about half. At this point, it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove the glaze from the heat and stir in a good amount of black pepper to help balance out the sweetness.
Prepare the lamb chops with brushing them with a little olive oil and sprinkling on some fresh rosemary.
Broil the lamb for about 5-7 minutes on each side (5 minutes for a perfect medium, 7 if you like them more well done).
Once the lamb comes out of the oven, brush the chops with glaze. Be sure not to brush them before you broil them, or the glaze with burn.
For an elegant presentation, you can use rib chops, like I did here, or you can use loin chops, which have a triangular shape without the long bone. Rib chops are my favorite, but it seems like loin chops are slightly easier to find these days. Either way, you can’t go wrong. (If you like lamb, you’ll also love my recipe for Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops)
I served these lamb chops with juicy pomegrante seeds, roast carrots and manchego polenta. And I drizzled that balsamic glaze over every. last. bite.
Handy tip
For an elegant presentation, you can use rib chops, like I did here, or you can use loin chops, which have a triangular shape without the long bone. Rib chops are my favorite, but it seems like loin chops are slightly easier to find these days. Either way, you can’t go wrong. (If you like lamb, you’ll also love my recipe for Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops)
Broiled Lamb Chops with Vanilla Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Mexican Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 pound lamb chops rib or loin
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- sea salt
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds optional
Instructions
- Add the vinegar, sugar, and vanilla to a saucepan set over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then simmer until reduced by about half and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the black pepper.
- Lightly coat the lamb chops with olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt. Place in a single layer on a broiling pan. Broil under high heat for 5 minutes on each side.
- Brush the lamb chops with the vanilla balsamic glaze. Serve with remaining glaze. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, if desired.
Lauren, before I forget, I’m not sure if it’s just my computer acting up but I can’t find any social sharing buttons on your blog. I refreshed 3 times but nothing is coming up. It has a Sumo button hidden off on the left side but it’s asking for log in information. Just thought I’d let you know.
Oh, weird. Thanks, I’ll look into that!
These are stunning Lauren. What a great way to prepare lamb.
I love balsamic vinegar, so much extra flavor.
Loving the vanilla balsamic combo!
This dish is so dreamy and that glaze! I want to put it on everything!
I need these in my life! I really wish we were having this for our Valentine’s Day dinner tonight!
I love Nielsen Massey vanilla and adore lamb chops. This is super creative. I could even see finishing with a little drizzle of pom molasses but I love the look and texture of the seeds. Will you cook for me tonight? 🙂