Description
These Dark Rum Inferno Smoked Lamb Chops combine Caribbean flavors with expert smoking techniques. Dark rum, brown sugar, and aromatic herbs create a complex marinade that caramelizes beautifully while smoking, resulting in tender, flavorful chops with a gorgeous crust.
Ingredients
1.5–2 lb bone-in lamb chops (rib or loin, 1–1½ inches thick)
1/2 cup dark rum
1/4 cup olive oil
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Wood chips (apple, hickory, or pecan)
Instructions
1. Combine dark rum, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl to create marinade.
2. Place lamb chops in glass dish or resealable bag and coat thoroughly with marinade. Refrigerate 2-12 hours (optimal: 6-8 hours).
3. Preheat smoker to 225-250°F (107-121°C) and add wood chips for smoke flavor.
4. Remove chops from marinade and place on smoker grates. Reserve marinade for basting if desired.
5. Smoke until internal temperature reaches 115-120°F for medium-rare finish (25-40 minutes depending on thickness).
6. Heat grill or cast-iron pan to high heat for finishing sear.
7. Sear chops 1-3 minutes per side to develop caramelized crust and reach target temperature.
8. Check internal temperature: 125-130°F for medium-rare, 135-140°F for medium.
9. Remove from heat and rest 5-8 minutes before serving.
10. Finish with herb butter or lemon squeeze if desired.
Notes
Marinating Time: Minimum 2 hours, maximum 24 hours for best results.
Wood Choice: Apple or cherry for mild sweetness; hickory or pecan for stronger smoke.
Temperature Control: Maintain steady smoker temperature for even cooking.
Make-Ahead: Cooked chops refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Spice Level: Add minced scotch bonnet or cayenne to marinade for extra heat.
Wine Pairing: Medium-bodied reds like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon complement the smoky profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chops
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 95mg