She Strengthens

Savory Lamb Chops with a Twist

A Harmonious Blend of Flavors

Get ready to impress your dinner guests with this unconventional yet mouthwatering recipe from Top Chef season 9 contestant Ed Lee. The secret lies in a marinade that combines the richness of bourbon, the umami of fish sauce, the sweetness of honey, and the savory flavors of soy sauce, garlic, coriander, and white pepper.

Simplified Prep and Cleanup

What makes this recipe a winner is its convenience. The lamb loin chops are marinated right in the baking dish, reducing prep and cleanup time. After a short 20-minute oven stint, the lamb chops will be cooked to perfection, with a delightful sauce to spoon over steamed rice.

Yield and Difficulty

This easy recipe yields 4 servings and requires a total of 1 hour, plus at least 4 hours of marinating time.

Ingredients

For the lamb:

• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 6 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground white pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 8 (1-inch-thick) lamb loin chops

For serving:

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges
• Steamed rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Lamb

Combine all ingredients except the lamb in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and whisk to combine. Lay the lamb chops in a single layer in the marinade and turn to coat. Cover, refrigerate, and marinate at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours, turning the lamb at least once during the marinating time.

Oven Time

Remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 425°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Bake the lamb for 15 minutes. Flip the chops and continue to bake until they register 130°F on an instant-read thermometer for medium rare, about 5 minutes more.

Finishing Touches

Remove the dish to a wire rack and let the chops rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, serve with the savory sauce, lime wedges, and steamed rice. Enjoy!