Flame-Grilled Irish Lamb Chops with Rosemary & Garlic

Introduction

There is something primal and deeply satisfying about grilling lamb over an open fire. It connects us to ancient culinary traditions, where the quality of the meat and the heat of the flame take center stage. This recipe for flame-grilled Irish lamb chops celebrates that simplicity, elevating the naturally rich, slightly gamey flavor of premium lamb with the classic aromatics of fresh rosemary and punchy garlic. Whether you are celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply hosting a sophisticated backyard dinner, these chops are a showstopper.

Using the Arteflame grill transforms this dish from a standard meal into an experience. The high-heat center grate allows for that steakhouse-quality sear, locking in the juices immediately, while the flat-top plancha offers precise temperature control to finish the chops to your preferred doneness without charring the delicate herbs. The result is a chop that is beautifully crusty on the outside and butter-soft on the inside, infused with the smoke of the wood fire and the savory depth of garlic butter.

Ingredients

The Meat

• 8 Premium Irish Lamb Chops (approx. 1-inch thick)
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for coating)
• Coarse Sea Salt (generous amount)
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper

The Rosemary Garlic Paste

• 4 cloves Garlic, minced or crushed
• 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme leaves (optional)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, for finishing)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Lamb

1. Remove the lamb chops from the refrigerator at least 30 to 45 minutes before cooking. Allowing the meat to reach room temperature ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender.
2. Pat the chops completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
3. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and olive oil to create a loose paste.

Step 2: Season

1. Rub the herb and oil paste generously over both sides of the lamb chops.
2. Season liberally with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper just before they hit the grill.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want the center grill grate to be searing hot (over 600°F) and the surrounding flat top cooktop to be hot but manageable.
2. Allow the cooktop to heat up and brush a light layer of oil onto the steel surface.

Step 4: The Sear

1. Place the lamb chops directly onto the center grill grate for the initial sear.
2. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until a deep, golden-brown crust forms. Watch for flare-ups from the rendering fat; these add flavor but move the chops if the flame gets too aggressive.

Step 5: Finish on the Flat Top

1. Move the chops from the center grate to the flat steel cooktop.
2. Place a small dab of the softened butter on top of each chop. As it melts, it will baste the meat with rich flavor.
3. Cook for another 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.

Step 6: Rest

1. Remove the chops from the grill and place them on a warm platter.
2. Let them rest for at least 5-8 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent.

Tips

The secret to perfect lamb chops lies in temperature control. Lamb is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium; overcooking it can lead to a tough, gamey texture. Because lamb chops are often smaller than steak cuts, they cook quickly, so stay close to the grill. Utilizing the different heat zones of the Arteflame is crucial here. Use the intense heat of the center for the cosmetic sear (the Maillard reaction) and the gentler heat of the outer ring to bring the internal temperature up slowly. This "reverse sear" style method prevents the gray band of overcooked meat around the edges.

Additionally, fresh herbs are non-negotiable for this recipe. Dried rosemary has a woody texture that burns easily and lacks the fragrant oils required to cut through the richness of the lamb fat. If you find the garlic burning too quickly on the center grate, apply the garlic-herb paste after the initial sear, once you move the meat to the flat top.

Variations

While rosemary and garlic are the classic pairing for lamb, this protein is incredibly versatile and stands up well to bold flavors. Depending on the season or your mood, you can easily pivot this recipe to match different cuisines. Here are a few ways to switch up the flavor profile while keeping the grilling technique the same:

• Mint Chimichurri: Skip the rosemary rub and top the grilled chops with a fresh sauce made of mint, parsley, vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes.
• Lemon & Oregano: Go Greek style by using dried oregano and plenty of lemon zest in the marinade, finishing with a squeeze of charred lemon juice.
• Spicy Harissa: For a North African twist, rub the chops with harissa paste and cumin before grilling.
• Honey Balsamic Glaze: Brush the chops with a mix of honey and balsamic vinegar during the last minute of cooking on the flat top for a sweet and savory finish.
• Mustard Crust: Coat the chops in Dijon mustard before dipping them in fresh breadcrumbs and finishing on the flat top (careful with the heat!).

Best pairings

Irish lamb chops are a rich dish that demands sides capable of cutting through the fat or complementing the earthy tones of the meat. Since you are already using the Arteflame, it makes sense to cook your sides right alongside the main course. The flat top is perfect for roasting vegetables while the meat rests. You want textures and flavors that balance the tenderness of the lamb.

Consider these perfect companions for your meal:

• Grilled Root Vegetables: Carrots and parsnips, glazed with a little honey and thyme, cooked on the flat top until tender-crisp.
• Colcannon Potatoes: A traditional Irish mash with kale or cabbage—you can fry the cabbage on the grill before mixing it into creamy potatoes.
• Charred Asparagus: Simple, fast, and adds a nice crunch and bitterness to balance the rich meat.
• Drink Pairing: A smooth Guinness Stout or a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with the rosemary and garlic flavors.

Conclusion

Mastering flame-grilled Irish lamb chops on the Arteflame is less about a complicated recipe and more about respecting high-quality ingredients. By combining the intense heat of the wood fire with the finesse of the flat-top griddle, you achieve a texture and flavor profile that standard gas grills simply cannot replicate. The smokiness of the wood, the fragrance of the rosemary, and the rich tenderness of the lamb create a meal that is both rustic and elegant.

We hope this recipe inspires you to gather friends and family around the fire. There is a unique joy in cooking outdoors, smelling the herbs toast against the steel, and serving a meal hot off the grill. Once you try these chops, they will likely become a permanent fixture in your grilling rotation. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite.