So what exactly is a lamb lollipop? It’s a lamb chop, but with the bone frenched (cleaned by a butcher) so that you can hold and eat it just like the stick on a lollipop. This makes lamb chops into finger food, perfect for serving h’orderve style. It’s the perfect way to elevate any occasion like a Superbowl party or holiday celebration. Pass around a platter of succulent, tender lamb seasoned to perfection and cooked medium-rare - you and your guests will thank us later. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.
I never thought I liked lamb until I had our Awhi lamb, raised in New Zealand by the Maori tribe. This lamb is super tender with a delicate flavor. You can get it delivered straight to your door with our premium meat delivery. I had always experienced lamb as being very strong tasting and gamey, so enjoying lamb was a pleasant surprise! If you’d like to elevate from your typical chicken wings or pigs in a blanket (don’t get me wrong… I love both of these delicious items) - lamb lollipops are a great way to go. Plus, they’re very quick and easy to prepare and offer a ton of versatility when it comes to seasonings and marinades.
Also Read:
Lamb lollipops are so delicious that the Italians have a special name for them - “scottadito”. This name translates to “scorches the finger”... a testament to how irresistible these tender, flavorful little bone-in cuts of lamb rack really are. It’s very tempting to dig into the juicy meat before they’ve had time to adequately cool off. Be sure to let lamb lollipops rest for five minutes after cooking. Aside from giving them time to cool off a little bit, it also ensures that the meat holds in all the tasty juices.
When meat’s really good quality, it doesn’t take much to be delicious. Online meat delivery makes it easy to get the best quality meat no matter where you live. You could season these lamb lollipops with good salt and freshly ground black pepper, give them a quick sear and call it done and they’d turn out awesome. But if you want to try out some more flavors, here’s a couple of our favorite ways to do lamb lollipops. Although both recipes mention using a cast iron skillet on the stovetop, you can also cook these up on the grill if you prefer.
Simple Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme Lamb Lollipops Recipe
Ingredients:
- 16 lamb chop lollipops (simply thaw the racks and slice apart into individual lollipops - our lamb racks are frenched so no need to worry about cleaning the bones.)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons bison tallow
- 3 large sprigs of fresh rosemary (separate the leaves from the stick)
- 3 large sprigs of fresh thyme (separate the leaves from the stick)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Also Read: Roasted Leg Of Lamb: A Simple And Delicious Recipe
Instructions:
- Sprinkle the lamb chops all over with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, rosemary and thyme. Gently press the seasonings into the meat.
- Heat the bison tallow in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add the minced garlic and any leftover thyme and rosemary into the tallow once it’s hot.
- Sear the lamb lollipops, working in batches. Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare.
- Let the seared lamb lollipops rest for approximately five minutes before serving. Plate and enjoy!
Festive Moroccan Lamb Lollipops Recipe
Ingredients:
- 16 lamb chop lollipops (simple thaw the racks and slice apart into individual lollipops - our lamb racks are frenched so no need to worry about cleaning the bones)
- 2 tablespoons bison tallow
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1.5 tablespoons ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1.5 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1.5 teaspoons ground ceylon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground tellicherry or black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground clove
Also Read: Traditional English Shepherd’s Pie Recipe With Ground Lamb
Instructions:
- Whisk together the seasonings in a small bowl.
- Season the lamb lollipops generously on all sides with the seasoning mixture, gently pressing into the meat. If you like, you can do this step 15 minutes in advance and let the lamb steep in the spices for a stronger flavor.
- Heat the bison tallow in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the tallow is hot, sear the lamb lollipops, working in batches. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 125 degrees for medium rare.
- Let the lamb lollipops rest for five minutes before serving. Enjoy!
FAQs
So what exactly is a lamb lollipop? It's a lamb chop, but with the bone frenched (cleaned by a butcher) so that you can hold and eat it just like the stick on a lollipop. This makes lamb chops into finger food, perfect for serving h'orderve style.
How to eat lollipop lamb chops? ›
They are called lamb lollipops because they are eaten by holding the lamb rack bone while eating the meat from it, resembling a lollipop. This can be served in two-bone or one-bone pieces. Since they are individual small cuts, it is best to grill them.
Are lollipop lamb chops healthy? ›
57% percent of the fat in lean cuts of lamb is monounsaturated, the same kind of fat found in olive oil. American Lamb is a flavorful, nutrient-rich food and an excellent source of protein, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6.
What are the two types of lamb chops? ›
4 Types of Lambchops Everyone Should Try
- Rib Chops. Rib chops are arguably the most iconic lamb chop. ...
- Shoulder Chops. Shoulder chops are usually about a half to a quarter of an inch thick. ...
- Butterfly Chops. Butterfly chops, also known as a Barnsley chop, is a cross-section of the lamb's loin. ...
- Loin Chops.
Lamb typically has more saturated fat — which can raise your levels of bad cholesterol, putting you at higher risk of cardiovascular disease — than beef or pork.
What's the best way to eat lamb chops? ›
Lamb chops always feel like a special dinner and are delicious paired with:
- Sauces – try Chimichurri Sauce, Mint Sauce, or yogurt sauce like Tzatziki.
- Potatoes – there are so many great options for potatoes. ...
- Salad – Keep it simple with Caesar Salad, Caprese, or Panzanella Salad.
Our Everyday Life explains that the gamey smell comes from the fat of the animal and the myoglobin in the meat. Myoglobin is the red liquid that comes from meat that is often confused with blood. Marinating the lamb in milk will draw out and settle some of its less pleasant smells and flavors.
Should I try lamb chops? ›
If pork chops and beef steaks are the only chops you sear, it's time to try lamb chops. Lamb chops have a distinctively rich and savory flavor, and while they're fancy enough for a dinner party, quick-cooking lamb chops also add variety to weeknight meals.
What lamb chops are best? ›
The best Lamb cut award goes to Lamb Loin Chops, hands down the best balance of flavor, tenderness, and value for money. These tasty mini T-bone shaped morsels have a wonderful buttery fat cap and extremely tender meat. Loin Chops are easily and quickly cooked in the pan and are reasonably priced.
How to pick the best lamb? ›
Your lamb should be heavy boned and be strong on its pasterns. Open-shouldered, weak-topped, weak- pasterned, steep-rumped lambs should be avoided. Generally, a lamb that walks and stands wide is going to be heavier muscled. The lamb should have a deep, heavily muscled leg and rump.
Lamb lollipops are simply individual chops cut from a rack of lamb. They are called lamb lollipops because you can hold them in your hand and eat the meat right off the bone with no utensils needed. That's why these are such a popular party hors d'oeuvre.
Is lamb healthier than steak? ›
If we look at fatty acids, like CLA and omega-3's, lamb comes out victorious and can be seen as marginally healthier. If we look at vitamins, like B12 and zinc, beef comes out victorious. The bottom line is both are excellent and both should be eaten with abundance!
How often should you eat lamb chops? ›
Don't eat lamb every day, and choose lean cuts when possible. Preparing lean cuts of lamb sensibly and eating them in moderation can help maintain a healthy diet and healthy cholesterol levels.
What is lamb shank vs lamb chop? ›
Lamb shoulder is used for stews and casseroles, and often cut into tasty chops. Shank: Lamb shanks come from the latter part of the fore or hind leg, and are best roasted or braised to elicit the juices from the bone. Shanks are almost always cooked in liquid until the meat starts separating from the bone.
What is better, lamb chops or rack of lamb? ›
Lamb Rack is the most expensive cut (and the most photogenic). Lamb cuts like Lamb Shank, Lamb Neck, and Lamb Shoulder are ideal for slow cooking / braising. The best Lamb Cut award for us goes to Lamb Loin Chops ~ a perfect balance of price to an amazing eating experience.
What is the tastiest cut of lamb? ›
The shoulder has a higher fat content, is richer in flavor and is less expensive than the lamb leg. Because of the higher fat content, it is also more forgiving and stays juicier.
Which is better lamb chops or lamb shoulder? ›
The shoulder is a hard-working and fatty area on the animal, which means that chops from that region are less tender than a rib or loin chop. However, they have a significantly bolder flavor; in my opinion, the trade-off is well worth it.
