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Savory Brown Butter-Crusted Lamb Recipe Over Fluffy Rice

brown butter-crusted lamb - featured image

A quick and easy dinner featuring tender lamb chops with a nutty brown butter crust served over fluffy long-grain rice. Perfect for weeknights or small gatherings, this dish balances rustic charm with elegant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds lamb loin chops or leg steaks, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati preferred)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional garnishes: lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  3. While the rice cooks, pat the lamb dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  4. In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, then remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet over medium-high heat. Place lamb chops in the pan without crowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature 135°F/57°C). While searing the second side, add minced garlic and spoon melted brown butter over the lamb.
  6. Remove lamb from pan and transfer to a plate. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Fluff the rice with a fork and plate it generously. Top with lamb chops and drizzle any remaining brown butter from the pan over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

Pat lamb dry to ensure a crispy crust. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Watch butter closely to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfect medium-rare doneness. Let lamb rest before serving to lock in juices. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut or avocado oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter lamb, lamb chops recipe, easy lamb dinner, fluffy rice, weeknight dinner, savory lamb, brown butter crust