A Brown Sugar Glaze Is The Secret To Unbeatable Lamb Chops

Creating succulent lamb chops bursting with the best flavors can be a bit challenging. While the classic combination of rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic enhances the taste, there's a unique approach you can take to get the perfect flavor profile. Adding a touch of sweetness to lamb chops counteracts the inherent gamey flavor often associated with it, creating a delightful balance between savory and sweet. What's the best way to do this?

The secret to achieving unbeatable lamb chops lies in a glaze made with brown sugar. Applied to gamey lamb, this sweet glaze both complements and counters the pronounced grassy notes typically associated with lamb. The glaze also creates a succulent saucy finish on your lamb chops, and has a positive impact on its texture. Best of all, a brown sugar glaze is easy to whip up — and if you happen to run out of brown sugar, you can always use granulated sugar with molasses.

Brown sugar is an ideal ingredient for glazes for a few reasons. For one, sugar is key in the caramelization process, so adding brown sugar helps your lamb chops attain that flavorful dark color and crispy finish. Using brown sugar rather than regular sugar also delivers smokey notes that match well with lamb. Brown sugar is also an acidic ingredient, and since acids are key to tenderizing meat, the result will be lamb chops with a buttery-soft texture.

You can use a honey and brown sugar glaze for a delightful combination of sweet and gamey flavors. Your brown sugar glaze can also include spices that complement lamb, like garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, and even cinnamon — and of course salt and pepper. Simply apply your glaze to the meat before cooking, using a brush so you can coat it evenly on all sides. If it's a bit thick, pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to achieve a smoother consistency.

If you're sauteeing or grilling individual lamb chops you'll only need to glaze before cooking. But if you're roasting a rack of lamb in the oven, to maximize its flavor, consider also applying some midway through the roasting process. In either case, drizzle some additional, warmed glaze on the meat when it's done for a truly exquisite finish.

Once you've mastered your brown sugar-glazed lamb chops, the quest for the perfect side dish begins — and you can go in different directions. If you're looking for something sweet to go with them, you can make cinnamon sugar glazed carrots. The sweet glaze on these earthy root vegetables harmonizes perfectly with brown sugar-glazed game. Roasted sweet potatoes are another perfect side that matches sweet notes with the rich flavor of the meat.

On the savory side of the spectrum, you can try making smashed potatoes — as crispy potatoes are the perfect complement to juicy lamb. Use yellow, red, or Yukon gold potatoes, and season them simply with salt and pepper. Umami-packed mushrooms lean into the earthy notes in lamb, so make some creamy mushroom risotto for a hearty side. With a brown sugar glaze, you'll have flavorful, tender lamb chops — and an array of delectable sides to choose from — ensuring an amazing dining experience.