Smoky Dutch Herbed Lamb Chops Recipe for the Arteflame Grill

There is something primal and deeply satisfying about grilling lamb chops over a wood fire. The Arteflame grill, with its unique flat-top cooktop, offers the perfect surface to achieve that coveted edge-to-edge sear while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This Dutch Herbed Lamb Chops recipe pays homage to simple, rustic European cooking, where the focus is entirely on the quality of the meat and the freshness of the aromatics. By utilizing a blend of hearty herbs like rosemary and thyme, combined with the intense, smoky heat of the Arteflame, you elevate a standard weeknight dinner into a gourmet outdoor experience. The carbon steel griddle ensures that the herb crust caramelizes beautifully without burning, locking in the natural juices. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy autumn evening by the fire, this dish delivers sophisticated flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 8 Lamb rib chops or loin chops (approx. 1-inch thick)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, removed from stems
• 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Marinade

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and minced garlic.
2. Stir the mixture until the herbs are evenly distributed in the oil.
3. Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear later.
4. Rub the herb mixture generously over both sides of the lamb chops.
5. Season liberally with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
6. Let the chops marinate at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Build a wood fire in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Allow the fire to burn down until the center griddle reaches searing temperature (usually about 20 minutes).
3. The center of the cooktop will be the hottest, perfect for searing, while the outer edges will be cooler for gentle cooking.
4. Wipe the cooktop with a lightly oiled cloth or paper towel to clean it and prepare the surface.

Step 3: Sear the Lamb Chops

1. Place the lamb chops directly onto the hot center ring of the Arteflame cooktop.
2. Sear undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, or until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
3. Flip the chops using long tongs to sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
4. If you are using loin chops with a fat cap, use your tongs to hold the chops vertically, rendering the fat on the grill surface until crispy.

Step 4: Finish and Rest

1. Move the chops to the cooler outer edge of the grill to finish cooking to your desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
2. If desired, place a small dab of butter on each chop while they finish on the cooler zone.
3. Remove the chops from the grill and place them on a cutting board or warm platter.
4. Let the meat rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chops just before serving to cut through the richness.

Tips

To achieve the absolute best results with your Dutch Herbed Lamb Chops on the Arteflame, temperature management is key. Always bring your lamb to room temperature before grilling; cold meat cooks unevenly and seizes up when it hits the hot steel, resulting in a tough texture. When utilizing the Arteflame, remember that the varying heat zones are your best friend. Start with a high-heat sear near the center to caramelize the herbs and garlic, but be careful not to burn them. If the fire is roaring, move the meat further out sooner. Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 125°F to 130°F for a perfect medium-rare, as the temperature will rise another 5 degrees while resting. Finally, do not skip the resting period—cutting into the meat too early will cause all those delicious juices to run out onto the plate rather than staying in the chop.

Variations

While the classic Dutch herb blend is timeless, lamb is a versatile canvas that welcomes a variety of flavor profiles. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different palates or seasonal ingredients. For a more robust kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade. If you prefer a brighter, more Mediterranean profile, swap the parsley for fresh oregano and add lemon zest directly to the rub. For a richer, more decadent finish, you can create a compound butter with garlic and mint to melt over the chops just as they come off the grill. Here are a few specific variations to try on your next cookout:

• Spicy Dutch: Add 1 tsp chili flakes and 1/2 tsp cayenne powder to the herb mix.
• Garlic Butter Crust: Baste with melted garlic butter during the final minute of cooking.
• Mustard Glazed: Brush the chops with Dijon mustard before applying the herbs.
• Mint Lover's: Replace thyme with fresh mint and serve with a balsamic glaze.
• Savory Cumin: Add 1 tsp ground cumin and coriander for an earthy twist.

Best pairings

Lamb has a distinct, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with sides that can cut through the fat or complement its earthiness. Since you are already cooking on the Arteflame, it makes sense to utilize the flat top for your sides as well. Grilled root vegetables are a classic Dutch pairing; think baby potatoes sliced and roasted on the flat top with duck fat or butter until crispy. Asparagus or green beans, blistered quickly on the hot steel with lemon and garlic, provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the tender meat. For a beverage pairing, a bold red wine is essential. A Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah has enough tannin structure to stand up to the richness of the lamb. Alternatively, a heavy Belgian-style ale or a Dubbel offers a malt sweetness that complements the charred herb crust beautifully.

Conclusion

Mastering these Dutch Herbed Lamb Chops on the Arteflame grill is about more than just following a recipe; it is about embracing the art of outdoor cooking. The combination of fresh, fragrant herbs and the intense heat of the wood-fired griddle creates a flavor profile that is both rustic and refined. This dish is perfect for gathering friends and family around the fire, sharing stories while the aroma of roasting rosemary and thyme fills the air. By following these simple steps and utilizing the unique heat zones of your grill, you guarantee a restaurant-quality meal right in your backyard. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with our suggested variations, this lamb dish is sure to become a staple in your grilling repertoire. Fire up the grill and enjoy the delicious results.