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The star of this recipe is the herb mint sauce pairing playfully with grilled lamb and a versatile Vinho Verde wine. A delightful summer trio.
Summer is in full effect. With the warmer, longer days always comes the onslaught of grilling season. There’s something magical about starting your own fire and using it to cook food that I love whenever I get the chance. But living in a New York City apartment I don’t have the opportunity to grill outside very much, so for the times when I’m craving some nice crosshatches without having to find someone with a backyard, I turn to my trusty grill pan.
Whether indoors or outdoors, this recipe for grilled lamb chops with mint herb sauce is a sure bet. Lamb isn’t always the first protein that comes to mind when people think of grilling, but this dish might just change a few minds. I’m a big fan of lamb and love the distinctly meat flavor it offers. Lamb has a decent amount of fat, so I paired it with a bright, mint herb sauce full of vibrancy, acidity, and a little bit of spice. 
When it comes time to pick a beverage, I suggest Vinho Verde. For those unfamiliar with this wine, it represents a style from the largest wine region in Portugal. It’s pretty widely available, very affordable, and I find it to be quite delicious. I love to drink Vinho Verde chilled in the summer because it’s unique, fresh, and sometimes has soft bubbles that adds some effervescence (and makes you feel fancy). Vinho Verde’s versatility makes it the perfect beverage pairing for this grilled lamb dish, acting as a great balance to meat and playing off of the flavors of the mint herb sauce.
The lamb is simply seasoned with salt and pepper before getting grilled to your desired doneness. This allows the true flavor of the meat to come through and lets the sauce and Vinho Verde truly shine. This trifecta is one that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Fire up your grill (or grill pan) and you won’t be disappointed with this recipe.
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Vinho Verde Wine with Grilled Lamb and Mint Sauce
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Grilled lamb chops get a vibrant boost from a fresh mint herb sauce. Pair with Vinho Verde for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch (1 bunch) mint
- 1 cups (237 ml) roughly chopped parsley and tender stems
- 2 (2) scallions
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (1) lemon
- 1/3 cups (79 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 pounds (907 g) lamb loin chops
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Make the Mint Herb Sauce
- Add all ingredients except olive oil to a food processor and process until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed.
- With the motor running, slowly pour in olive oil until well blended, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Transfer to a bowl; reserve.
- Make the Grilled Lamb
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F (190-204°C)).
- Sprinkle both sides of the lamb with salt and pepper.
- Place lamb on the grill and cook to desired temperature.
- Transfer lamb to a cutting board or serving platter.
- To Serve
- Spoon some Mint Herb Sauce over the lamb and serve with remaining sauce on the side.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, let the lamb rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling before slicing.
- If fresh mint is unavailable, substitute 1 tablespoon of dried mint, but reduce the amount of parsley slightly.
- Store leftover lamb and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large chop
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 100
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of lamb is best for grilling in this recipe?
Lamb chops are recommended for grilling as they offer a great balance of flavor and tenderness, making them ideal for this recipe.
How can I make the mint herb sauce for the grilled lamb?
To make the mint herb sauce, finely chop fresh mint leaves and mix them with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and a touch of spice to enhance the flavor.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill for the lamb?
Yes, using a grill pan is a great option for indoor cooking, allowing you to achieve those desired grill marks and flavor without needing outdoor space.
