01 -
First things first, get those lamb chops ready. Pat them super dry with paper towels; this is a non-negotiable step, honestly. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear and a crispy crust. Then, trim any excess fat if you like, but leave a little for flavor. I always forget to do this sometimes, then regret it when I see the fat rendering unevenly.
02 -
Next, season both sides of your chops with salt and pepper. Don't be shy here! Then, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each side. This isn't just for flavor; it's the magical glue that holds our delicious Parmesan crust in place. I tried just pressing the crust on once without mustard, and it was a flaking mess.
03 -
In a shallow dish, combine your panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Give it a good mix; you want everything evenly distributed. This is where the kitchen starts smelling incredible, like a fancy Italian restaurant! Make sure your Parmesan is freshly grated for the best results, trust me on this.
04 -
Now for the fun part! Press each mustard-coated lamb chop firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides (and the edges!) are thoroughly coated. Really get in there and press so the crust adheres well. Sometimes I get a little messy here, breadcrumbs everywhere, but it's worth it for beautifully crusted lamb chops.
05 -
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is my fave!) over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the crusted lamb chops in the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until that Parmesan crust is deeply golden brown and crispy. This step is all about developing that incredible texture and color.
06 -
For perfect doneness, transfer the seared chops to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for another 5-8 minutes, depending on thickness and your desired doneness (medium-rare is my jam!). Alternatively, if your chops are thinner, you can finish them in the pan. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving; this keeps them juicy.