Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the taste of succulent, herb-seasoned lamb chops grilled to perfection over real wood flames. With this Nebraska Grilled Herb Butter Lamb Chops recipe, we’ll use the powerful Arteflame Grill to reverse sear the lamb chops, locking in juices with a high-heat sear and slowly finishing them on the griddle cooktop. Served with aromatic rosemary garlic butter grilled right on the flat top, this dish delivers flavor and visual appeal that’s steakhouse-worthy—all done outside with no need for pots, pans, or an oven. Let’s get grilling!
Ingredients
- 8 lamb chops, about 1 inch thick
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp grainy mustard (optional for savory depth)
- 2 tbsp butter for searing
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Pour a bit of vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the center of the Arteflame grill base.
- Stack firewood above the soaked napkins in a teepee shape.
- Light the paper napkins. The grill will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, and mustard if using. Set aside.
Step 3: Season the Lamb Chops
- Pat lamb chops dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Allow chops to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Sear Over High Heat
- Once the Arteflame center grill grate is glowing hot (over 1,000°F), place the lamb chops directly on the center grate.
- Sear each side for 1.5 to 2 minutes to lock in juices and develop a crust.
- Use tongs to rotate if using rib chops for uniform grill marks.
Step 5: Move to the Flat Cooktop
- Transfer lamb chops to the flat cooktop griddle, closer to the outer ring for lower, more controlled heat.
- Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 15°F below the final desired doneness (e.g., 120°F for medium-rare).
- Remove the lamb and let rest for about 5-10 minutes. Residual heat will bring them up to the perfect temperature.
Step 6: Grill the Herb Butter
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter with the prepared herb butter mixture onto the griddle surface near the lamb.
- Let it sizzle until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Spoon the melted herb butter over the resting lamb chops.
Tips
- Always use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Let the meat rest to redistribute the juices.
- Grill some sliced lemons on the flat top for garnish and a burst of acidity.
- Use the hotter inner ring to caramelize vegetables or garlic in butter for a flavorful side.
- Cleaning is minimal with Arteflame—just scrape the griddle surface after cooling.
Variations
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Mint Chimichurri Lamb: Swap rosemary for fresh mint and serve with grilled mint chimichurri sauce made directly on the griddle.
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Greek-Style Lamb Chops: Use oregano, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of feta near the end for Mediterranean flavor.
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Spicy Harissa Lamb: Rub chops with harissa paste and grill with chili butter for bold, smoky heat.
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Honey Balsamic Lamb: Glaze lamb with honey and balsamic on the griddle during final 2 minutes of cooking for sweetness and tang.
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Smoked Paprika and Cumin Chops: Season with paprika, cumin, and coriander for a smoky, earthy twist.
Best pairings
- Grilled asparagus or brussels sprouts with garlic butter on the outer griddle zone
- Smoke-kissed flatbread or naan warmed on the outer ring
- Chilled glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Nebbiolo to complement the lamb’s richness
- Grilled potato wedges with rosemary and sea salt
- Caramelized onions or grilled grape tomatoes for sweetness contrast
Conclusion
With the Arteflame grill, you don’t need a kitchen to make gourmet-quality lamb chops. This Nebraska Grilled Herb Butter Lamb Chops recipe lets you master reverse searing and infuse layers of flavor using just fire, steel, and real ingredients. From bold seared crust to buttery herb finish, every bite brings out the best in this premium cut.