Is Milk The Key To Tender And Flavorful Lamb Chops?

Lamb can be something of a problem child for many at-home chefs, especially those just beginning their culinary journey. Sitting somewhere between beef and gamier meats like venison or duck, it can be fickle and unforgiving when it comes to overcooking it. If taken too far, the meat can become tough and chewy very quickly, and lose a lot of the delicacy in its flavor that makes it so delicious — especially when cooking chops. 

Lamb has a rather wonderful (yet subtle) gamey flavor — if you like that kind of thing, great. If you don't, there are ways to disguise or offset that flavor — but there's also a lot of misinformation when it comes to exactly how that's done. One of those little nuggets of foodie folklore is the idea that marinating your lamb in milk prior to cooking will remove a lot of its gamey-ness. The thing is, the reality behind that idea is a bit complicated. Casein protein can help remove impurities from some types of meat, but it doesn't necessarily zap away all the gamey flavor every time. That said, it can still impact flavor in a positive way.

For those who were thinking of trying it out, marinating your lamb chops in milk can have a beneficial effect. Milk contains a relatively high concentration of lactic acid, as well as other enzymes that help to gently break down proteins, especially muscle fibers. This means that a nice long bath in some milk will do your lamb chops some good. It can help them stand up to high heat cooking better, resulting in a more tender, and more tasty, final product — and yes, it can make some impact on the gaminess of the meat.

Milk can make for a great tenderizer all on its own, and it can certainly bring its own subtle yet delicious tasting notes to the party. For a simple-to-prepare, yet incredibly flavorful combination, why not try marinating your next batch of lamb chops in a fragrant infusion of milk and saffron? Taking inspiration from the best of Persian cookery, saffron's punchy, aromatic flavor is beautifully realized when infused with milk, which turns what can be an overwhelming ingredient into a gorgeous, subtle addition to the intense meaty flavor of a great lamb chop.

It's as simple as blooming your saffron — an easily forgotten, but crucial step — by wrapping it in kitchen foil and briefly toasting it over your burner, before grinding it in a mortar and pestle with a couple of ice cubes until you're left with an intoxicating red liquid which you can then stir into your milk. The addition of peppercorns for a little heat and spice and bay leaves for a little herbal complexity make this a winning marinade that'll not only leave you with sumptuously soft chops, but also provide the perfect foundation for a great Middle Eastern-inspired dinner. Served with a fresh, herby tabbouleh (which contrasts nicely with the rich, meaty lamb), it's a foolproof winner.

Milk isn't the only dairy powerhouse you can use to take your lamb chops to the next level. In fact, there are plenty of others that'll have an even more noticeable effect on your lamb — both in terms of flavor and texture. Yogurt, for example, is higher in acid than milk is, and makes for a fantastic base for an all-around marinade. From an Indian butter chicken curry to something more in keeping with that Middle Eastern flavor profile that lamb chops suit so well, it'll add a subtly tangy finish to your lamb that beautifully pairs with any gamier notes.

Buttermilk has a very similar effect, its higher acidity making it more effective than plain old milk when it comes to breaking down those proteins that (when overcooked, and tightened up) can be responsible for tough, chewy lamb. It's got a similar sour profile to yogurt, and pairs well with big, bold, spicy flavors. Harissa, for example, when mixed with buttermilk adds a smoky, spicy kick to your lamb chops — especially great if you're cooking them on the grill. Letting the lamb marinade in the buttermilk mixture will allow it to take to the super-high heat of charcoal grilling much more willingly, and ensure you can achieve a gorgeous char on the outside, while not sacrificing a tender, juicy interior.