Go Back
–+ servings

Anchovy Lamb Chops Dinner Recipe with Garlic & Anchovies

This dinner recipe brings together bold flavors of anchovies, capers, garlic, and lemon to create a rich, savory sauce that complements lamb shoulder chops beautifully.
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elevated gathering, this dish is both economical and full of flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in lamb shoulder chops patted dry with paper towels
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 oil-packed anchovy fillets coarsely chopped
  • 1½ tablespoons drained capers
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh basil or parsley sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Season the Lamb: Generously coat the lamb chops with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If time permits, allow them to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to enhance the seasoning.
  • Cook the Lamb: Heat a large skillet on high for about 30 seconds, then add the olive oil. Once the oil easily coats the skillet, after roughly 20 seconds, add the lamb chops. Cook them on the first side until a deep golden-brown crust forms, about 3 minutes. Flip the lamb chops, then add the anchovies and capers to the skillet. Let everything cook together for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, during which the anchovies will dissolve into the oil and the lamb will finish cooking to medium-rare in the center.
  • Rest the Lamb: Move the lamb chops to plates or a serving dish and let them rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Prepare the Sauce: Return to the skillet and add the minced garlic. Stir it around and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Add the lemon juice, stirring to combine. If the skillet has any stuck-on browned bits, add a splash of water (around 1 tablespoon) to loosen them, creating a rich pan sauce.
  • Serve: Pour the flavorful pan sauce over the lamb chops. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil sprigs for a touch of color and added aroma, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Substitute loin or rib chops for a fancier presentation if serving this to company.
  • Pair with Pan-Fried Asparagus with Lemon Zest or another bright, fresh side dish to complement the richness of the lamb.
  • Leftovers can be repurposed into a sandwich or salad topping for the next day.
Keyword anchovy garlic sauce, caper lamb chops, dinner recipe, easy lamb dinner ideas, flavorful lamb recipe, Mediterranean lamb recipe, quick lamb chops
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!