Marinated Lamb Lollipops with Mint Pesto
Updated: Aug 11
Individual lamb chops marinate, then sear fast over high heat, a mint pesto instead of the usual mint jelly is what makes these feel less like a holiday dish and more like an easy weeknight one, despite how they look on the plate.
These are my husband's favorite. We usually make them as a birthday appetizer, but they're also our go-to for a fun anniversary date night at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
A restaurant-worthy dish made at home
Bright, fresh mint pesto to balance the richness
Perfect for a special occasion or date night in
Servings: 4 (each person would have aprroximately 3-4 lamb chops)
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 25 minutes (including 3 hours marinating time) to 1 day 25 minutes (with up to 24 hours marinating time)
Lamb Marinade Ingredients:
2 lbs lamb (around 12-16 lamb lollipops, depending on the size of the cuts and how they’re trimmed)
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
Mint Pesto Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (or pistachios as an alternative)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove
2-4 tablespoons cold water (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions:
Prepare the Lamb: Cut the lamb into individual strips (lollipops).
Marinate the Lamb: In a mixing bowl, combine mint leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Add the lamb strips, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or up to 24 hours.
Make the Mint Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine mint, parsley, basil, toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Blend, gradually adding cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the pesto reaches your preferred consistency.
Cook the Lamb: Heat a cast iron skillet or other heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Remove any mint leaves from the lamb. When the pan is very hot, add the lamb lollipops and cook for 2 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or 3 minutes per side for well-done.
Serve: Serve the lamb lollipops with the mint pesto for dipping.
Additional Tips:
For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the marinade for a subtle smoky or earthy flavor.
Even Cooking: Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the lamb to get a good sear and lock in the juices.
Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the lamb lollipops rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices for a more tender bite.
Serving Suggestion: For a hearty and elegant presentation, lay the lamb lollipops over a spread of creamy mashed potatoes. This not only enhances the dish visually but also adds a delicious, comforting element.
Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Store leftover lamb lollipops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mint pesto can be stored separately in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Reheating: Reheat the lamb lollipops gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. For the pesto, you can enjoy it cold or at room temperature, no reheating needed.
Ingredient Notes
Room temperature meat: Letting the lamb come to room temperature before it hits the pan helps it cook through evenly instead of being cold in the center when the outside is done.
Troubleshooting Tips
Lamb overcooked: These are small and cook very fast. Pull them at medium-rare, they carry over several degrees while resting.
Not enough crust: Dry the surface and get the pan genuinely hot before the lamb goes in.
Pesto turned dark: Mint oxidizes quickly. Make it close to serving and press plastic wrap onto the surface if storing.
Gamey flavor: Trim excess fat, and do not skip the acid in the pesto, it cuts the richness.
What to Serve This With
Serve alongside roasted potatoes or a simple salad for a complete meal.
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