Ingredients:
- Lamb chops: 4 (about 8 oz each)
- Tea Rubs: 2 tablespoons (a blend of black tea leaves, ground rosemary, ground thyme, and a pinch of sugar)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Lemon: 1, zested and juiced
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Fresh rosemary and thyme: for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, ground rosemary, ground thyme, and sugar. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Marinate the Lamb Chops: Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of the lamb chops with the tea rubs, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your charcoal grill to high heat, ensuring the coals are covered in white ash for even cooking.
- Grill the Lamb Chops: Once the grill is ready, place the lamb chops on the grill grates. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Make sure to adjust the heat to prevent flare-ups.
- Add Aromatics: While the lamb chops are grilling, in a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with a little olive oil and the lemon zest. Brush this mixture over the lamb chops during the last minute of grilling for added flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lamb chops from the grill and let them rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will make the meat more tender and juicy. Serve the grilled lamb chops with the lemon juice drizzled over the top and garnished with fresh rosemary and thyme.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the lamb, complementing the traditional flavors of grilled meat.
- For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the garlic-lemon mixture.
- This Charcoal Grilled Lamb Chops with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a summer barbecue. The addition of tea rubs creates a memorable and aromatic dish.