Meat chop - Recipe

“Meat chop” can refer to a few different things depending on your region and what kind of meat you’re using. Here’s a breakdown and a versatile recipe you can adapt for lamb chops, pork chops, or beef rib chops.

🥩 What is a Meat Chop?

A “chop” is a thick cut of meat — usually with the bone — from the rib, loin, or shoulder of an animal such as:

Pork chops – from the loin of the pig
Lamb chops – from the rib or loin of the lamb
Beef rib chops – like a bone-in ribeye or tomahawk steak
Goat chops – popular in South Asian and Caribbean cooking

🍳 Basic Meat Chop Recipe (Pan-Seared or Grilled)

🧂 Ingredients (for 2–4 chops):

2–4 meat chops (pork, lamb, beef, or goat — 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
1½ tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika (or chili powder for heat)
1 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Optional: Juice of half a lemon or 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

🔥 Cooking Methods:

🔪 1. Prep the Meat:

Pat the chops dry.
Rub all sides with olive oil and seasoning mix.
Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

🧈 2. Pan-Seared Method:

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 tbsp oil or butter.
Sear chops for:
- Pork/Lamb: 3–4 minutes per side
- Beef: 4–5 minutes per side (for medium-rare)
- Goat: 5–6 minutes per side (goat takes longer)
Optional: Lower heat and add a splash of butter + herbs for basting.

🌡️ Internal temps:

Pork: 145°F (63°C)
Lamb: 135°F (57°C, medium-rare)
Beef: 130–135°F (medium-rare)
Goat: Cook through (usually ~160°F / 71°C)

🔥 3. Grill Method:

Grill over medium-high heat for the same times as above.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Serving Ideas:

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh herb salad.
Drizzle with chimichurri, garlic butter, or yogurt sauce (great for lamb/goat).

Would you like a spicy Indian-style masala chop, breaded fried pork chop, or a barbecue-glazed version? I can give you one of those too!