Make Sous Vide Lamb Chops w/ Tasty Curry Sauce

You want tender, tangy and juicy lamb chops cooked to precision every time, then sous vide cooking is the way to go. This recipe for sous vide lamb chops will give you all the details you need to make great chops.

Most lamb chop recipes are rosemary and garlic flavored but be prepared to have your taste senses blown! My version makes use of a velvety smooth chocolate curry sauce that pairs extremely well with lamb.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Sous vide lamb chops, the epitome of tenderness and precision, meet a rich and exotic curry chocolate sauce that's both indulgent and surprising.

This is a dish that bridges the gap between classic and contemporary, delivering an unforgettable dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds and celebrates the creativity of the kitchen.

These sous vide lamb chops are tender, tangy and tasty. Oh and the chocolate curry sauce that goes with it, sounds crazy, but it works beautifully!

This dish is where inspiration meets kitchen daredevil. This recipe surprisingly came together in one take, so much that I had to really struggle to remember what I did lol.

The chocolate is present, but subtle tasting. There is just enough there to add a whole lotta intrigue to the curry. You definitely wanna get down with these chops and keep them in your rotation.

What Is Sous Vide Method?

Sous vide cooking is a culinary technique that involves cooking food in a precisely controlled water bath at a consistent and low temperature. The term "sous vide" is French for "under vacuum," which refers to the process of sealing food in a vacuum-sealed bag or airtight container before cooking it in the water bath.

Here's how the sous vide cooking method typically works:

1. Preparation: The food, such as meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, or even desserts, is seasoned and placed in a vacuum-sealed bag. Some recipes may include aromatics like herbs, garlic, or spices to enhance flavor.
2. Vacuum Sealing: The bag containing the food is sealed using a vacuum sealer or by removing the air manually to create an airtight environment. This step helps ensure even cooking and prevents the food from floating in the water bath.
3. Water Bath: The sealed bag of food is then submerged into a water bath or immersion circulator, which precisely controls the water temperature. The water temperature is set to the desired level, typically lower than what is used in traditional cooking methods.
4. Cooking Time: The food is left to cook in the water bath for an extended period, often much longer than conventional methods. This slow and gentle cooking process allows the food to reach the desired doneness evenly without overcooking.
5. Finishing: After the sous vide cooking time is complete, the food is removed from the bag. Depending on the dish, it may be seared, grilled, broiled, or otherwise finished with high heat for a short time to develop a desirable outer texture or crust.

Sous vide cooking offers several advantages, including:

• Precision: The precise temperature control ensures that the food reaches the desired level of doneness without risk of overcooking.
• Consistency: It results in consistent and uniform cooking, even with tough cuts of meat that require long cooking times.
• Flavor Retention: Since the food is sealed in a bag, flavors and juices are retained, resulting in intensely flavorful and moist dishes.
• Customization: It allows for precise control over the level of doneness, making it possible to achieve a wide range of textures and tenderness.
• Convenience: Sous vide cooking is forgiving in terms of timing, as the food won't overcook if left in the water bath for a bit longer.

Sous vide cooking has gained popularity in both professional kitchens and home cooking due to its ability to consistently produce high-quality dishes with minimal effort. It is particularly well-suited for cooking delicate proteins like fish and achieving the perfect medium-rare steak.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Lamb Chops)

Pairing Brandy's iconic R&B hit "I Wanna Be Down" with a dish as exquisite as sous vide lamb chops topped with chocolate curry sauce creates a harmonious sensory experience that's both soulful and indulgent.

As the smooth rhythm and sultry vocals of "I Wanna Be Down" fill the air, let the music's timeless charm set the mood for an exceptional dining experience. Picture yourself in an intimate setting, where the ambiance is as warm as the melodies, and the desire for culinary excellence is the soundtrack to the evening.

Now, take a moment to savor each bite of those sous vide lamb chops, their tenderness a testament to the precision of sous vide cooking. The rich, velvety chocolate curry sauce drizzled over the lamb offers a surprising twist, much like the unexpected allure of a classic R&B ballad. The melding of aromatic spices and dark cocoa against the succulent lamb creates a flavor profile that's as seductive as the music itself.

This pairing transforms your meal into an enchanting and unforgettable experience—a symphony of flavors and melodies that entice the senses and leaves you craving more. With every note and every bite, you'll discover that the union of music and cuisine can elevate a moment to something truly extraordinary.

Sous Vide Lamb Chops Ingredients

• Lamb loin chops
• Cocoa Powder
• Ground cloves
• Ground Cinnamon
• Curry Powder
• Turmeric
• Habanero
• Yellow onion
• Ghee
• White wine 
• Kosher Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Sous Vide Lamb Chops Directions (Step by Step)

Step 1: Prepare The Lamb

Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Carefully place seasoned lamb chops to the vacuum seal bag. Add some ghee or butter plus your fresh herbs (i like oregano) of choice. Vacuum seal the seasoned lamb chops. If you don't have a vacuum seal then feel free to use the water displacement method.

Step 2: Sous vide cook the lamb

Pre-heat water bath to 131 degrees F and cook 3 hours.

Step 3: Make the sauce

Melt ghee or butter in a saucepan on medium heat, then add onions and whole uncut habanero cooking for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and spices (turmeric, curry, cinnamon, cloves, cacao) and saute another 1-2 minutes. Add the white wine and reduce it down to a thicker sauce like consistency (3-4 minutes). Remove the habanero and serve the sauce over the chops.

Step 4: Sear Lamb Chops

Remove the chops from the bags and dry with paper towels. Heat cast-iron skillet or another type heavy bottom skillet on high heat. Add ghee or butter, but preferably ghee for it's high smoke point. Sear the chops about 90 seconds per side.

What to Serve With Sous Vide Lamb Chops

Sous vide lamb chops are a delicacy on their own, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate the dining experience. Here are some side dish options to serve with sous vide lamb chops:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a classic and comforting side dish. The creamy texture and buttery flavor contrast nicely with the lamb's richness.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts. The caramelized flavors and crispy textures add depth to your lamb chops.
3. Couscous: Fluffy couscous with herbs and lemon zest offers a light and fluffy accompaniment to balance the richness of the lamb.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus spears seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add a touch of elegance and freshness to the plate.
5. Cucumber Salad: A cucumber salad with red onion, dill, and a yogurt-based dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the lamb's savory flavors.
6. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette adds a healthy and hearty element to your meal.
7. Tabbouleh: A tabbouleh salad made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs provides a light and refreshing accompaniment.

Sous Vide Lamb Chops Considerations & Cooking Tips

• Keep the seasoning simple. Salt and pepper plus the fresh herbs are all you really need during sous vide cooking. Plus there is so much flavor in the unique sauce you don’t really want to compete with it
• Lamb loin chops vary in thickness so keep this in mind as it relates to cooking time. Thicker chops will take a little longer to cook
• Lamb rib chops can be used if loin chops aren’t available. Just be mindful of the amount of fat. If high, then trim some away before cooking.
• Typically I prefer to allow meat to rest bor serving, but for sous vide lamb chops you're fine with just diving right in.
• I like to serve these with a quick cook grain like couscous or West African fonio. To round things out sauteed spinach or collard greens are added as well.

Sous Vide Lamb Chops Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make These Lamb Chops on the Stovetop?

Yes, this is an easy convert. Follow the below directions:

1. Heat a skillet or heavy-bottomed pan on high heat.
2. Add ghee and melt. Once melted cook the chops 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. 
3. Let rest at least 5 minutes on a plate covered with aluminum foil. and serve with sauce.

How Can I Seal The Bag Without A Vacuum Sealer

Use a large ziplock bag and place the lamb chops inside with your seasonings. With the bag open slowly place the bag into the water bath. As you submerge til the point of the water being just below the zip closing line you can seal the bag.

Does the habanero make this dish spicy?

No not at all. It’s the seeds and veins that provide the heat, but since we’re cooking it whole you avoid it. However, you do get the natural fruitiness and a hint of the flavor from the oils.

What Is The Difference Between Cacao and Cocoa?

Though they come from the same source (cacao bean) they are milled differently leading to very different flavors. Cacao generally is pure, vs. cocoa which likely includes sweetener.

How long should you sous vide lamb chops?

No need to cook these longer than 3 hours. Going past the three-hour mark starts to change the texture. I've never cooked these for less than 1 hour so, there's your range.

What temperature do you sous vide lamb chops?

I prefer to cook the lamb at 131 degrees for medium-rare doneness. See the temperature breakdown below for a more comprehensive breakdown for sous vide lamb chops:

Medium Rare: 131°F - 1-3 hours

Medium: 135°F 1-3 hours

Well Done 145°F 1-3 hours

Can I Sous Vide Lamb Chops That Are Frozen?

Yes, you can. You'll just need to add about an hour of extra cooking time. Then you would just season before the searing step.

Can I Make Sous Vide Lamb Chops Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! I've cooked these lambs before and refrigerated them still sealed. When you're ready to eat reheat your water bath to the same temperature and then place the lamb chops back in the water for about 30 minutes and then follow the rest of the steps.

Equipment for this Recipe

To prepare sous vide lamb chops, you'll need some specialized equipment along with basic kitchen tools. Here's a list of the equipment you'll need:

1. Sous Vide Immersion Circulator: This is the core piece of equipment for sous vide cooking. It heats and circulates water to maintain a precise and constant temperature. Popular brands include Anova (my preferred), Joule, and Sansaire.
2. Vacuum Sealer: You'll need a vacuum sealer to package the lamb chops in airtight bags before cooking. Alternatively, you can use resealable plastic bags designed for sous vide cooking and manually remove the air.
3. Vacuum Seal Bag: Use food-grade vacuum seal bags that are safe for cooking at high temperatures. These bags are often heat-resistant and designed to withstand the sous vide process. You can also use a sous vide bag as well.
4. Heat-Resistant Container: You'll need a container large enough to hold the water for cooking and the sous vide immersion circulator. Many cooks use plastic containers, but a stockpot or a large plastic tub can also work.
5. Searing Equipment: While not essential for sous vide, most people prefer to sear their lamb chops after sous vide cooking to develop a flavorful crust. You'll need a skillet, grill, or kitchen torch for this step.

For other lamb based recipes you might like try these:

Coffee Rubbed Lamb Chops

Smoked Rack of Lamb

Smoked Lamb Ribs w/ Fennel Rub

Lamb Stuffed Eggplant

Lamb Meatballs

For other Sous Vide Recipes Try these:

Sous Vide Lobster Tails

Sous Vide Duck Confit

Sous Vide Brisket

Sous Vide Flat-Iron Steak

Sous Vide Pork Chops

Sous Vide Radishes with Pineapple Glaze

Make This Sous Vide Lamb Chops Recipe

Incorporating sous vide into your culinary repertoire opens doors to a world of precision and tenderness, and these perfectly cooked lamb chops are just the beginning.

As you explore the art of sous vide cooking, remember that every detail, from temperature to time, contributes to the extraordinary results you've experienced here.

So, whether it's an intimate dinner for two or a gathering of friends, these sous vide lamb chops are sure to leave a lasting impression, showcasing your culinary finesse and the magic of sous vide. Bon appétit!

If you make this delicious Sous Vide Lamb Recipe, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated monthly playlists.

Lastly, go to my YouTube channel and subscribe to be notified when new weekly videos are uploaded.

 

Sharing is caring!