A Cantonese-style pan-fried lamb chops recipe that combines Western cooking techniques with Cantonese flavours. The lamb is marinated, seared until golden, and finished with garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Simple seasonings allow the natural flavour of the lamb to shine.
garlic salt1 tsp for first side, 1/2 tsp for second side1 tsp
olive oilfor marinating lamb1 tbsp
oil (for pan-frying)½ tbsp
butter1 tbsp
oyster sauce1 tbsp
rice cooking wine (or Shaoxing wine)1 tsp
Steps
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1
Soak the lamb chops in salted water for a few minutes to remove any freezer odours.
2
Prepare the aromatics: peel and thinly slice 1 oz of garlic. Slice 1 oz each of white and red onion along the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Cut 2 oz of bell pepper into 1/4-inch strips.
3
Rinse the soaked lamb chops and pat them dry with paper towels.
4
Cut the lamb rack between the bones to separate into individual chops.
5
Use the back of a knife to tenderize both sides of each lamb chop with gentle taps.
6
Season one side of the lamb chops with 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp white pepper, and 1 tsp garlic salt, pressing gently. Flip and season the other side with 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp white pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic salt.
7
Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil on both sides and allow the lamb to absorb the seasonings. Marinate for 1-2 hours if time permits, or for 15-20 minutes minimum before cooking.
8
Heat a pan over high heat for 1-2 minutes until very hot. Add 1/2 tbsp of oil, swirl to coat, then reduce to medium heat.
9
Fry the fatty side of the lamb chops first by stacking them to hold them up, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Then lay them flat and fry for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown on that side.
10
Flip the lamb chops and cook the other side for about 1 minute. Remove when the internal temperature is 3-5°F below your target, as carryover cooking will continue to raise the temperature.
11
Add 1 tbsp of butter to finish the lamb chops, allowing it to melt into the pan.
12
Transfer the lamb chops to a plate and let them rest, allowing the juices to release.
13
Fry the sliced garlic in the pan on low heat for about 30 seconds.
14
Add the white onion and half of the bell pepper to the pan and fry for 1 minute.
15
Add 1 tbsp oyster sauce and 1 tsp cooking wine, stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, then season with 1/2 tsp garlic salt.
16
Pour the liquid released by the lamb chops into the pan.
17
Add the lamb chops back to the pan and gently combine with the vegetables for 30 seconds, allowing the vegetables to soak up the lamb juices.
18
Plate the dish: arrange the fried onions and peppers as a base, top with fresh red peppers, and finish with the lamb chops.