Description
A delicious Asian-inspired Honey Garlic Lamb with Pickled Cucumber recipe that combines tender lamb chops marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served alongside refreshing pickled cucumbers. Perfect for a flavorful main course that’s both easy to prepare and impressive for any dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lamb
- 1½ pounds lamb chops or lamb loin, trimmed
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
For the Pickled Cucumber
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Lamb: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and black pepper until well combined. Place the lamb chops or lamb loin in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate, preferably overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Pickled Cucumber: Combine the thinly sliced cucumber, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Toss everything together until the cucumber is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to develop the pickled flavor. Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
- Cook the Lamb: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Remove the lamb from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off, and place the lamb in the skillet. Sear the lamb for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, adjusting the cooking time according to your preference. Once cooked, transfer the lamb to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Serve: Plate the rested lamb alongside the chilled pickled cucumbers. This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- For grilled lamb, cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side instead of searing.
- Double the pickled cucumber recipe to serve as a refreshing salad on the side.
- To keep the recipe gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
- Allowing the lamb to marinate overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
