The Secret to Juicier Greek Lamb Chops Extra Virgin Olive Oil!
Want to take your Greek lamb chops to the next level?
Marinating them in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) not only enhances their rich, savoury flavour but also improves tenderness, locks in moisture, and provides health benefits thanks to its antioxidants and healthy fats.
Why you should be marinating your meat in extra virgin olive oil.
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Great flavour - it infuses the meat with the olive oils fruity, rich notes.
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Improves tenderness - the fat in the oil helps break down tougher cuts of meat making it more tender, helping the meat retain moisture.
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Health benefits - EVOO, rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants and polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties, makes it a healthier fat option compared to many other oils. Vitamin E and polyphenols, can help protect the meat from oxidation, which can improve the overall flavour profile, especially when grilling or cooking at high temperatures.
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Improved Maillard Reaction -The fat in EVOO helps enhance the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for the browning and the development of complex flavours when the meat is seared/grilled.
Here's a simple and flavourful Greek marinade for lamb chops:
Ingredients
- 6 lamb chops
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp honey
- 4 tbsp Governor extra virgin olive oil
Method
For the marinade:
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In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and whisk together. Add salt to taste.
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Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the lamb, ensuring the chops are well-coated on all sides. Cover and pop in the fridge for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your desired doneness.
Rest and serve with a Greek salad and Greek lemon potatoes.
In summary, EVOO isn't just a flavourful fat to cook with—it's an excellent marinade base that enhances the taste, texture, and cooking quality of meat, making it juicier, more flavourful, and healthier.
