
How to Cook Grass-Fed Lamb Chops and Where to Buy in the UK
14th Jul 2025
There’s something timeless and deeply satisfying about cooking lamb chops. Whether served sizzling from a hot pan or plated with buttery mash and seasonal vegetables, a good lamb chop is simple, elegant, and full of character. But to achieve the best flavour and tenderness, choosing the right lamb and cooking it well makes all the difference.
At Donald Russell, we believe that excellent ingredients are the foundation of every memorable meal. Our grass-fed British lamb is expertly butchered in Aberdeenshire and matured for optimum flavour. Let’s walk through how to cook lamb chops to perfection and where to buy the very best lamb online in the UK.
Why Choose British Grass-Fed Lamb?
When it comes to lamb, provenance matters. Grass-fed lamb from the UK is among the finest in the world, thanks to the quality of pasture, traditional farming methods, and a cooler climate that allows for slower, more natural growth.
At Donald Russell, our lamb is grass-fed and carefully raised. Our Barnsley Lamb Chop is matured in our Aberdeenshire butchery for at least 10 days to enhance flavour and tenderness, then blast frozen to lock in peak freshness. When it comes to sourcing the best lamb cuts, British grass-fed options remain unmatched. British lamb features a richness that pairs beautifully with rosemary, garlic, lemon, and warming spices.
Best Cuts for Pan-Seared Lamb Chops
If you're learning how to cook lamb chops for the first time, start with the right cut. While all lamb has a signature sweetness and depth, some cuts lend themselves better to fast cooking and pan-searing than others.
Barnsley Chop: This is a traditional British favourite, essentially a double loin chop that includes both the fillet and the loin, left on the bone for deeper flavour. It’s a generous cut, perfect for a hearty meal, and sears beautifully in a hot pan. Our Barnsley Lamb Chops are matured for at least 10 days for added flavour and tenderness.
Lamb Loin Chops: Cut from the saddle, these chops are small, tender, and quick to cook. They’re ideal for weeknight meals or served in pairs for more generous portions.
Cutlets or French Trimmed Chops: Taken from the rack, these are delicate, fine-textured chops often reserved for special occasions. Try our Luxury French Trimmed Lamb Rack, which can be cooked whole or sliced into individual cutlets.
If you’re planning to roast rather than sear, Whole Lamb Shoulder or Lamb Saddle Roast offers rich, melt-in-the-mouth meat when cooked low and slow. However, for quick, impressive cooking, nothing beats a beautifully pan-fried chop.
Simple Seasoning Ideas for Maximum Flavour
Lamb doesn’t need much to shine. Its natural flavour is already robust, so seasoning should be simple and considered. Here are a few classic ideas:
- Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Essential! Always season generously just before cooking.
- Rosemary & Garlic: Crush and rub with olive oil for a Mediterranean touch.
- Cumin & Coriander: Earthy, aromatic spices for a North African flair.
- Smoked Paprika & Lemon Zest: Adds warmth and brightness.
- Dijon Mustard & Thyme: Excellent for glazing lamb chops under the grill.
Marinades can also work well if you have time to let the flavours develop, but lamb responds just as beautifully to a good sear and a quick rest with nothing more than oil, salt and pepper.
Cooking Tips: Medium-Rare vs. Well-Done
Lamb is one of those meats where preference plays a big part. Some love it pink and juicy, others prefer it more thoroughly cooked. Here’s how to find your sweet spot:
- Medium-Rare (Recommended): Cook for 4-5 minutes per side on a medium heat. The meat will be blushing pink and tender.
- Medium: Cook for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Well-Done: Cook for 7+ minutes per side. However, be mindful not to overcook, as lamb can dry out.
To cook our Barnsley Lamb Chops, defrost overnight in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before cooking. Preheat a large frying pan and brush the chops with oil. Season with salt and pepper, then cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan, place on a rack, cover with foil and rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Where to Order Premium Lamb Online (UK)
It’s never been easier to get grass-fed lamb chops delivered in the UK. But quality matters, and sourcing from a reputable butcher ensures you get flavour, texture, and confidence in every cut.
At Donald Russell, we offer an extensive range of the best lamb cuts online, including:
Each is prepared by hand in our Aberdeenshire butchery and blast frozen to preserve flavour and quality. With nationwide delivery, you can buy lamb online in the UK and enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home.
Whether you're cooking a midweek meal or preparing a celebratory feast, our grass-fed lamb delivers taste, tradition and consistency you can rely on.
Cooked with Care
When cooked with care, grass-fed lamb chops are a simple but luxurious pleasure. They need only minimal seasoning and precise handling to bring out their natural character. By choosing properly matured, British lamb from trusted sources, you can elevate a weekday supper or anchor an elegant dinner party.
Explore our full lamb collection at Donald Russell and bring butcher-quality lamb to your table, any night of the week.