Lamb chops taste really good and can make any meal better. But what really makes a lamb chop meal special is the side dishes you choose. The right side dishes can go well with the strong flavor of the meat, making your meal more balanced and interesting.
Whether you’re making a simple dinner or a fancy one, the sides you pick can make a big difference. You can go for classic options like mashed potatoes and roasted veggies, or try something new like quinoa salad and sweet potato fries.
In this article, we’ll talk about different side dishes that go well with lamb chops, from old favorites to new ideas. Discover how to cook a delicious dish that will wow your friends and make your taste buds happy.
What Sides Go With Lamb Chops?
Lamb chops are a tasty dish that can be the best part of any meal. They go well with many different side dishes, both traditional and new. Picking the right sides can make your lamb chop dinner even better. Here, we look at some side dishes that go well with lamb chops, making sure you have a tasty and balanced meal.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes with garlic go well with lamb chops. The creamy potatoes with garlic taste good when compared to the rich lamb. To make them, boil potatoes, mash them with butter, cream, and garlic, and add salt and pepper. For a healthier option, use milk or Greek yogurt instead of cream.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Cooked vegetables are a good match with lamb chops. You can use carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts. Coat the vegetables in olive oil, add pepper, salt, and herbs like thyme or rosemary, then cook until they are browned. The sweet and crispy vegetables go well with the tasty lamb.
3. Minted Peas
Fresh minted peas add a nice sweet taste to the dish. Cook peas with butter and mint leaves until warm. The mint makes the peas sweeter and balances out the rich lamb.
4. Herb-Crusted Asparagus
Asparagus goes well with lamb chops because it has a natural taste and is easy to chew. Mix asparagus with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. Cook until it’s soft but still a little crispy. The herbs give it extra flavor that goes nicely with the lamb.
5. Couscous Salad
A Mediterranean couscous salad is a light and refreshing side dish that goes well with lamb chops. Make the couscous as directed on the package, then mix in chopped veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Add fresh herbs like mint and parsley, and drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, pepper and salt. This dish is tasty and looks nice too.
6. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a tasty side dish made with spices and veggies. Fry onions and garlic in butter, then add rice and cook until golden. Pour in broth and spices like cumin and turmeric. Cook until rice is soft. You can also add almonds or dried fruit for extra taste.
7. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a healthy and flexible dish that you can make just the way you like it. Cook the quinoa as directed on the package, then add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black beans. Top it off with a zesty dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard. The earthy taste of quinoa goes well with lamb chops.
8. Greek Salad
A traditional Greek salad has tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese. Add olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. The salad’s fresh and tangy taste goes well with lamb chops.
9. Spinach And Arugula Salad
A basic salad with spinach and arugula can be a great side with lamb chops. Mix the greens with a lemon dressing and top with radishes, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The arugula and spinach add a fresh crunch to the lamb.
10. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a popular French side dish that goes well with lamb. Cook fresh green beans until they are slightly crisp, then cook them in butter with sliced almonds and lemon juice. The buttery almonds and green beans go nicely with the rich flavor of the lamb.
How To Store Lamb Chops?
It’s important to store lamb chops properly to keep them fresh, tasty, and safe. By storing them the right way, whether they’re cooked or uncooked, you can make them last longer and be sure they’re safe to eat.
Storing Raw Lamb Chops
Refrigeration
Packaging: If you’re going to use the lamb chops soon, leave them in the package they came in. If the package is torn or you want to keep them longer, wrap them in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or put them in a sealed plastic bag.
Temperature: Keep raw lamb chops in the coldest part of the fridge, like the meat drawer or the back of the bottom shelf. Make sure the fridge is no warmer than 40°F (4°C).
Duration: You can keep fresh lamb chops in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Freezing
Preparation: To keep lamb chops fresh for a long time, put each one in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Put them in a closed bag or container and keep them in the freezer.
Labeling: Write the date on the packaging so you know how long the food has been frozen.
Temperature: Make sure your freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
Duration: Uncooked lamb chops can be kept in the freezer for 6-9 months. For the best taste, they should be used within that time.
Thawing: When you’re ready to cook, remove the lamb chops from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want them to thaw more quickly, you can thaw food in the microwave, but make sure to cook it right away.
Storing Cooked Lamb Chops
Cooling
Initial Cooling: Let the cooked lamb chops cool down to room temperature within two hours after cooking. This will stop bacteria from growing.
Refrigeration
Packaging: Put the cooled lamb chops in a sealed container or tightly wrap them in foil or plastic wrap.
Temperature: Put them in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder.
Duration: You can keep cooked lamb chops in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing
Preparation: To keep cooked lamb chops fresh for a longer time, put them in the freezer. Wrap each chop in plastic or foil, then store them in a sealed bag or container that can go in the freezer.
Labeling: Put the date on the packaging so we can keep track of it.
Temperature: Make sure the freezer is at 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
Duration: You can keep cooked lamb chops in the freezer for 2-3 months. It’s best to eat them within that time for the best taste.
Thawing: Let frozen cooked lamb chops thaw in the fridge overnight, or use the microwave’s defrost setting for quick heating.
Picking the right foods to go with lamb chops can make your meal really special. You can go with traditional choices like mashed potatoes and veggies, or try something new like sweet potato fries or quinoa salad. It’s important to mix flavors and textures to make the lamb chops taste even better. By adding starches, greens, and tasty sauces, you can create a satisfying meal. Trying out different combinations can help you find the perfect sides to make your lamb chop dinner unforgettable. Whether it’s a casual meal or a special occasion, these side dishes will make your lamb chops shine in a delicious and balanced meal.
Thanks for reading. I hope you find it helpful.