Greek Lamb Chops (Paidakia) Recipe – European Special
Greek Lamb Chops, or Paidakia, are a flavorful and aromatic dish that showcases tender lamb chops marinated in a blend of herbs, garlic, and lemon. This classic Greek recipe is perfect for grilling or roasting and offers a taste of Mediterranean cuisine that’s both simple and sophisticated.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time30 min
Greek Lamb Chops (Paidakia) Ingredients:
- 8 lamb chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh oregano or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
How to make Greek Lamb Chops (Paidakia):
Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, rosemary, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate Lamb Chops: Place the lamb chops in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chops, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more intense flavor.
Preheat Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If roasting, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook Lamb Chops:
Grilling: Remove the lamb chops from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Roasting: Arrange the lamb chops on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Rest and Serve: Let the lamb chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.
Garnish and Serve: Serve the lamb chops with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and garnish with fresh oregano or rosemary if desired.
Recipe Notes:
Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the lamb chops for at least 1 hour. Longer marination will enhance the flavors.
Doneness: Use a meat thermometer if you prefer precise doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be about 135°F (57°C).
Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a grill or prefer not to use one, you can also pan-sear the lamb chops in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil, then finish cooking them in the oven if needed.
Accompaniments: Greek lamb chops are delicious with traditional sides like tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or pita bread.
