Chili Rubbed Lamb Chops with Rhubarb Marmalade
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Chili Rubbed Lamb Chops with Rhubarb Marmalade is the perfect dish to elevate any dinner. The combination of a sweet and smoky rub with a tangy rhubarb marmalade creates a flavorful balance that’s sure to impress your guests. The lamb chops are seasoned with honey granules and Smoked Maple Sriracha, giving them a unique depth of flavor, while the fruit salsa adds a refreshing burst to every bite. With just a short prep time and a quick cook, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The tangy rhubarb marmalade and the juicy fruit salsa make it feel like the perfect summer dish with bold, seasonal flavors. Whether you’re a fan of lamb or looking to try something new, this dish will quickly become a go-to.
Why You’ll Love Chili Rubbed Lamb Chops with Rhubarb Marmalade
- Bold Flavors: The smoky and sweet chili rub paired with tangy rhubarb marmalade creates a rich, layered taste that’s both unique and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy Prep: With just a short prep time and a quick cook, this dish comes together in under an hour. Perfect for a special weeknight dinner.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Rhubarb and fresh fruit salsa bring a refreshing seasonal flair, making this dish feel like a celebration of summer flavors.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the fruit salsa and the succulent lamb chops make for a visually stunning dish that’s perfect for entertaining.
- Great for Any Occasion: This recipe is versatile enough for a casual meal or a more formal gathering. Its bold flavors and easy prep make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Needed To Make Chili Rubbed Lamb Chops with Rhubarb Marmalade
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Rack of lamb
- Honey granules
- Smoked Maple Sriracha
- Kosher salt
- Rhubarb
- Sugar
- Citrus vinegar
- Orange juice and zest
- Fresh cherries
- Fresh peaches
- Lime juice
- Chipotle powder
- Olive oil
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Chili Rubbed Lamb Chops with Rhubarb Marmalade
- Combine the ingredients for the rub and coat the lamb with it. Let the lamb sit in the refrigerator for an hour.
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish.
- Place the lamb in the baking dish and cook it until it’s done to your liking.
- While the lamb is cooking, make the rhubarb marmalade by simmering all the ingredients together until it thickens.
- In a bowl, mix the ingredients for the fruit salsa and let it sit to marinate.
- Once the lamb is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into chops.
- Brush each lamb chop with the rhubarb marmalade and serve with the fruit salsa on top. Enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different fruit for the salsa?
Yes, you can swap the cherries and peaches for other fruits depending on what’s in season or what you prefer. Fresh strawberries, nectarines, or even a bit of mango would work well in this salsa. The key is to balance the sweetness with a bit of acidity from lime juice.
Can I make the rhubarb marmalade ahead of time?
Definitely! The rhubarb marmalade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it slightly before using it on the lamb chops, or serve it chilled for a slightly different flavor experience.
What can I serve with these lamb chops?
These lamb chops pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a summer vibe, grilled asparagus or a light quinoa salad would be a perfect match with the fruit salsa.
How do I know when the lamb is cooked to my liking?
Lamb can be cooked to different levels of doneness, but a good rule of thumb is to cook it for about 15 minutes, then flip it and cook for another 5 minutes for a medium-rare finish. If you prefer it well-done, just add a few extra minutes. A meat thermometer can help ensure the perfect doneness—145°F for medium-rare.
How should I store leftover lamb?
If you have leftover lamb, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave. Just be careful not to overcook it when reheating to keep it tender.
Can I make this dish spicy?
If you like a bit more heat, you can add extra chipotle powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to the fruit salsa or rub. Just be cautious with the amount to ensure it doesn’t overpower the flavors of the lamb and rhubarb.
Can I use a different cut of lamb?
If you don’t have rack of lamb, you can substitute with lamb chops or even lamb loin. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the cut. Lamb chops will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Chili Rubbed Lamb Chops with Rhubarb Marmalade
Ingredients
Lamb Chops
- 1 rack of lamb
- 1 tsp honey granules
- 1 tbsp Smoked Maple Sriracha
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Rhubarb Marmalade
- 2 cups rhubarb, sliced thin
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup citrus vinegar
- pinch of salt
- 1 juice and zest of 1 orange
Fruit Salsa
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup peaches, peeled and chopped
- pinch of salt
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ lime, juiced
- pinch of chipotle powder
Instructions
Lamb Chops
- In a bowl, combine the salt, honey granules, and Smoked Maple Sriracha seasoning.
- Evenly sprinkle the rub over the rack of lamb. Cover and allow to sit in the refrigerator for one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- Place lamb in a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. Flip the rack of lamb over, and cook for 5 additional minutes, or until your desired doneness.
- Removed from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice into lollipops and brush each chop with the rhubarb marmalade.
- Serve on top of the fruit salsa.
Rhubarb Marmalade
- Combine all of the ingredients in a stock pot on medium-low heat.
- Allow to simmer and the rhubarb to soften and begin to slump down, approximately 10 minutes.
- Once the rhubarb begins to get soft and the sauce thickens, take a potato masher and mash the rhubarb.
- Allow the rhubarb to cook more and the sauce to thicken and get sticky, approximately 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat.
Fruit Salsa
- Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl.
- Allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes. The longer it sits, the more juices will come out of the fruit.
Notes
This Chili Rubbed Lamb Chops with Rhubarb Marmalade is a dish I keep coming back to whenever I want something bold and flavorful. The smoky rub on the lamb, paired with the sweet and tangy rhubarb marmalade and fresh fruit salsa, makes for a truly memorable meal. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet it feels like a special occasion dish. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this one’s sure to impress.