Hunan-style Honey-Glazed Lamb Chops

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Chuletas de cordero con miel from Spanish cuisine to Hunan cuisine, we incorporate the bold and spicy flavors that are characteristic of Hunan cuisine. The original Spanish dish is known for its simplicity and the use of honey to glaze the lamb chops. In the Hunan-style adaptation, we introduce a fiery marinade made with chili peppers, garlic, and ginger to infuse the lamb chops with a spicy kick. This fusion of flavors creates a unique and exciting dish that combines the best of both cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Chuletas de cordero con miel, so you can check it out.

• 8 lamb chops (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 8 lamb chops (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 4 red chili peppers, finely chopped 4 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons honey 4 tablespoons honey
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 10g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the chopped chili peppers, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure that the chops are evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the lamb chops from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
5. 5.
   Grill the lamb chops for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   While the lamb chops are grilling, prepare the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it becomes runny and easy to brush onto the chops.
7. 7.
   Once the lamb chops are cooked to your liking, brush them generously with the honey glaze on both sides.
8. 8.
   Remove the lamb chops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping.
• Lamb chops — Choose high-quality lamb chops with a good amount of marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the glaze to enhance the sweetness and add depth to the dish.
• Rice vinegar — If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Fresh cilantro — Feel free to substitute fresh cilantro with fresh parsley if you prefer a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of dried chili flakes to the marinade.
• Let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
• Serve the lamb chops with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a touch of brown sugar to the honey mixture.
• Experiment with different types of chili peppers to vary the level of spiciness in the marinade.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy and Sweet Hunan Lamb Chops hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany them with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled lamb chops on a platter, drizzle any remaining honey glaze over them, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves for an attractive presentation. Serve with a side of steamed rice and colorful stir-fried vegetables to create a visually appealing and delicious meal.