Vietnamese-style Grilled Lamb Chops

Ingredients

In this Vietnamese adaptation of the Croatian dish "Janjeći but na istarski," we incorporate Vietnamese flavors and cooking techniques. The original dish typically uses Croatian spices and herbs, while our version incorporates Vietnamese ingredients such as lemongrass, lime, and fish sauce. Additionally, the grilling method is inspired by Vietnamese cuisine, which adds a smoky and charred flavor to the lamb chops. We alse have the original recipe for Janjeći but na istarski, 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)
• 3 stalks lemongrass, finely minced 3 stalks lemongrass, finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• Juice of 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 4g
• Protein: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and vegetable oil.
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 to 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 for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, remove the lamb chops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To easily mince lemongrass, remove the tough outer layers and finely chop the tender inner part of the stalk.
• Fish sauce — Choose a high-quality fish sauce for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of fish sauce used in the marinade.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the marinade.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the lamb chops on a stovetop grill pan or broil them in the oven.
• Serve the grilled lamb chops with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a refreshing Vietnamese cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-style Grilled Lamb Chops hot off the grill. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added zing of citrus flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled lamb chops on a platter, garnish with sprigs of fresh cilantro, and place lime wedges around the edges for an inviting presentation. The vibrant green color of the cilantro and the bright yellow of the lime will add visual appeal to the dish.