5 Delicious Costco Lamb Recipes You Must Try

Lamb is a meat that, when prepared properly, offers an exquisite dining experience due to its rich, succulent flavor. At Costco, you can find high-quality cuts of lamb that are perfect for elevating your home cooking to a gourmet level. In this blog post, we will explore five mouth-watering lamb recipes that you can prepare using Costco's selection, ensuring that your next meal is not just a dinner but an event.

1. Mediterranean Grilled Lamb Chops

Costco’s lamb chops are an excellent choice for grilling, especially when you’re aiming for a Mediterranean twist.

• Ingredients:
• 8 Costco lamb chops
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2. Coat the lamb chops thoroughly with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chops for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
5. Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

🍖 Note: Marinating longer not only tenderizes the meat but also intensifies the flavor profile. Consider using the marinade for a baste while grilling for an extra burst of taste.

2. Braised Lamb Shanks with Red Wine

Costco’s lamb shanks are perfect for slow-cooking methods like braising, which brings out the deep flavors of the meat.

• Ingredients:
• 4 Costco lamb shanks
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef or lamb stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Fresh rosemary and thyme
• Instructions:
1. Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and brown the shanks on all sides.
3. Remove the shanks, then add the vegetables and cook until they start to soften.
4. Add garlic, tomato paste, and cook for a couple of minutes. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan.
5. Return the lamb to the pot, add stock, herbs, and cover with a lid. Simmer for about 2 to 3 hours or until the meat falls off the bone.
6. Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta.

🍲 Note: The slow cooking process makes the lamb incredibly tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This dish is ideal for colder nights or special occasions.

3. Lamb Burgers with Feta and Mint

Why settle for ordinary burgers when you can go gourmet with Costco lamb?

• Ingredients:
• 2 lbs Costco ground lamb
• ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Form into 4-6 patties.
2. Grill or cook on a stove-top until desired doneness is reached.
3. Serve on toasted buns with a side of tzatziki and fresh vegetables.

🍔 Note: The feta cheese adds a delightful tanginess to the burger, enhancing the lamb’s natural flavor. Mint provides a refreshing counterpoint.

4. Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Rack of Lamb

Nothing says elegance like a beautifully roasted rack of lamb. Costco often has excellent deals on rack of lamb.

• Ingredients:
• 1 rack of Costco lamb
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and black pepper
• Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Mix garlic, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper to make a paste.
3. Trim excess fat from the lamb if needed, score the fat layer, and rub with the garlic paste.
4. Roast for about 25-30 minutes for medium-rare or to your liking.
5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones.

🍽 Note: Roasting at a high temperature locks in the juices and creates a nice crust on the outside, keeping the interior tender.

5. Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder with Honey and Lemon

This dish combines the richness of Costco’s lamb shoulder with sweet and tangy flavors.

• Ingredients:
• 1 Costco lamb shoulder
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. Rub the lamb with lemon juice and zest, honey, and season generously.
3. Make small incisions in the meat and insert garlic slices.
4. Cover with foil and bake slowly for about 5 hours. Uncover for the last 30 minutes to brown.
5. Shred the meat with forks and serve with the pan juices.

🍯 Note: The combination of honey and lemon will give you a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making the lamb incredibly flavorful.

In summary, Costco offers a selection of lamb that can cater to various culinary desires, from grilling to slow cooking. These recipes highlight the versatility of lamb, ensuring that every dish is not only flavorful but also presents a unique dining experience. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a gourmet meal at home, these recipes will transform your kitchen into a fine-dining setting.

Can I substitute ingredients if I don’t have all of the ones listed?

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Absolutely! Cooking is about flexibility. For instance, if you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs will work, though use them more sparingly due to their concentrated flavor.

How do I ensure my lamb doesn’t dry out during cooking?

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Using a meat thermometer is key. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. Also, always let the meat rest before slicing to retain its juices.

Can these lamb recipes be made ahead of time?

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Yes, many of these dishes like the braised lamb shanks and the slow-cooked shoulder actually improve in flavor when made ahead. Just reheat gently before serving.