When you think abuut non-vegetarian starters, one delicious dish that comes to mind is soft and juicy Mutton Chops. These tender lamb chops are super easy to cook and packed with flavor.
You’ll be surprised how simple it is to make restaurant-style lamb chops at home! The meat turns out succulent and tasty, making it perfect to serve hot as a starter or side dish.

You can prepare these Lamb Chops in the oven (Oven Lamb Chops) or on a Tawa (flat pan), both give equally mouth-watering results. I’m sharing both cooking methods below so you can pick what works best for you.
If you’re a mutton lover, just follow this same method to make Mutton Chops at home — and enjoy your favorite dish any time!
What Are Lamb Chops?
Lamb chops are premium cuts of meat taken from the ribs of a lamb. These are one of the most tender and flavorful parts of the lamb, which also makes them more expensive.
Each lamb chop is typically cooked individually by methods like oven roasting, grilling, BBQ, or pan frying (tawa). When cooked together as a single rack, it’s known as a rack of lamb.
What Are Mutton Chops?
Mutton chops are similar to lamb chops but come from the ribs of a goat (and sometimes sheep). They offer a stronger flavor than lamb and are loved in Indian and South Asian cuisine.
How to Cook Lamb or Mutton Chops
You can cook lamb or mutton chops using various methods:
- In the oven
- On a tawa (flat pan)
- On a BBQ grill
No matter the method, the secret to juicy, flavorful chops is marination.
Step-by-Step Marination Process
- Wash the chops and place them in a colander to drain excess water.
- In a mixing bowl, add:
- Coriander powder
- Red chili powder
- Salt
- Turmeric powder
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
Mix well.
- Coat the chops evenly with this first marinade and let it rest for 1 hour.
- Deep fry onions until golden brown, let them cool, and crush them.
- Add to the chops:
- Crushed fried onions
- Dried mint leaves
- Yogurt
- Garam masala
Mix again to make a second marinade.
- Cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chops
- Use fresh young lamb or spring goat meat for soft, juicy chops.
- Always turn the chops while cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Use a fork or knife to check tenderness—avoid touching with hands!
- For the best flavor, marinate for 8+ hours or overnight.
Ingredients
First Marinade:
- 1.5 kg Lamb or Mutton Chops (approx. 15 pieces)
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/3 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1.5 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/3 tsp White Vinegar
Second Marinade:
- 2 medium Onions (thinly sliced)
- 1.5 tbsp Yogurt
- 1.5 tbsp Dried Mint Leaves
- 1/3 tsp Garam Masala
- Oil (for frying and brushing)
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Clean the Chops
- Rinse the lamb/mutton chops well and place them in a colander to drain all excess water.

Step 2: First Marinade
- In a bowl, add:
- Coriander powder
- Red chili powder
- Salt
- Turmeric
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Lemon juice
- White vinegar
- Mix well and apply the paste evenly to the chops using your hands.
- Let it rest for 1 hour.

Step 3: Fry the Onions
- Slice onions thinly and deep fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Remove and place them on paper towels to cool.
Step 4: Second Marinade
- In the same bowl with marinated chops, add:
- Yogurt
- Dried mint leaves
- Garam masala
- Crushed fried onions
- Mix everything well so the chops are fully coated.

Step 5: Marinate Overnight
- Cover the bowl with cling film or a lid.
- Refrigerate and marinate for at least 8 hours (or overnight) for best flavor.
Cooking Methods
Method 1: Cooking in Oven
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes.
- Place chops on a baking tray, brush with oil.
- Bake for 30 minutes:
- Flip after 15 minutes.
- Brush again with oil on both sides.
- Remove once golden and cooked through.
Method 2: Cooking on Tawa (Flat Pan)
- Heat a non-stick tawa over medium heat.
- Add a little oil and place the marinated chops.
- Cook both sides evenly by turning frequently until soft and golden brown.

Method 3: Cooking on BBQ (Optional)
- Preheat the grill/barbecue until hot.
- Place the chops on high flame for 10 minutes.
- Move them to lower heat for another 20 minutes.
- Keep brushing oil and turning every 2–3 minutes.

Serving Suggestion
- Serve hot with lemon wedges, sliced onions, and green chutney.
- Pairs well with naan, paratha, or even jeera rice.
