Weeknight dinners don't have to be a drag. You can prepare a restaurant-quality meal like these grilled Aussie lamb shoulder chops with cherry port wine sauce in less than 30 minutes.
5 from 2 votes

By Christie Vanover | Published March 4, 2018 | Last Updated February 16, 2023

Disclosure: True Aussie Lamb sponsored this post. Opinions are my own.

white plate with lamb chop atop white grits, brussels sprouts to left

I’m guilty of wanting to give up on dinner some weeknights. It seems easier to just get takeout or microwave a burrito. Why? Because I just don’t want to take the time to prepare a meal.

Then, I developed this recipe. The entire cook time is only 15 minutes. The other 15 minutes of this recipe is heating up your grill. How can you pass up a dish like this when it only takes 30 minutes?

cast iron skillet with two lamb chops and cherry sauce

The heavenly sauce

What makes this dish restaurant quality is the rich cherry port wine sauce made with cherry preserves. First, you’ll saute some shallots and some red pepper flakes for heat. (Don’t like heat, keep ’em out.)

Next, you’ll add savory beef broth and robust, sweet port wine. To thicken the sauce and really give it its character, add cherry preserves and butter. It’s really that simple.

The entire sauce can be prepared in a skillet on the grill while the chops are cooking.

grill with cast iron on left with cherry sauce, two lamb chops on right

Let’s talk about these chops

Aussie Lamb is used by restaurant chefs around the world because it is delicate and tender. It’s naturally fed on pastureland in Australia and is free of artificial additives and hormone growth promotants.

The shoulder blade chop is similar to a bone-in pork chop. It’s cut from the blade portion of the shoulder and cooks quickly. Many people prefer it medium rare, cooked to an internal temperature of about 145F degrees.

white plate with lamb chop atop white grits, brussels sprouts to left

The dish pairs wonderfully with Parmesan cheese grits and grilled Brussels sprouts, which can also be prepared in around 15 minutes. I cook my sprouts in a veggie grill basket.

To save even more time, you can cook this entire dish on the stove. To do so, sear the lamb chops in a little olive oil in a skillet about 4 minutes per side. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside. Prepare the cherry port wine sauce. Once reduced, add the chops back to the skillet.

Now, you have no more weeknight excuses. You can enjoy this luxurious dish with a glass of red wine and unwind from your day.

white plate with lamb chop atop white grits, brussels sprouts to left

30-Minute Aussie Lamb Shoulder Chops with Cherry Port Wine Sauce

Weeknight dinners don’t have to be a drag. You can prepare a restaurant-quality meal like these grilled Aussie lamb shoulder chops with cherry port wine sauce in less than 30 minutes.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients
 

  • 2 Aussie Lamb shoulder chops
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsps shallot minced
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsps port wine
  • 1/4 cup cherry preserves
  • 1 tbsp butter

Instructions
 

  • Heat the grill to medium-high. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet on the grill.
  • Season the shoulder chops with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Place them on the grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
  • While the chops are grilling, add the shallot and red pepper flakes to the skillet, and sauté until tender. Add the beef broth, port and cherry preserves. Cook until reduced, 3-5 minutes.
  • Place the chops into the skillet to coat with glaze.
  • Pairs well with Parmesan cheese grits and grilled Brussels sprouts. The recipes are below.

Notes

You can substitute cherry or grape juice for the port wine, if you prefer not to cook with alcohol.

Nutrition

Calories: 616kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 19gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 353mgPotassium: 340mgSugar: 22gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 4.5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2.3mg

This estimate was created using an online nutrition calculator

Brag About Your BBQShare it on Instagram using #GirlsCanGrill
black veggie basket filled with quartered brussels sprouts

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Make grilled Brussels sprouts your new go-to veggie. They cook up quickly with a veggie basket.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat the grill to medium-high. Place a veggie basket on the grill, and allow it to heat up.
  • Cut the sprouts into quarters and toss with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Dump into the veggie basket, and grill, tossing occasionally, until tender and charred, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 82kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSodium: 319mgPotassium: 441mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 855IUVitamin C: 96.9mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.6mg

This estimate was created using an online nutrition calculator

Brag About Your BBQShare it on Instagram using #GirlsCanGrill
white plate with lamb chop atop white grits, brussels sprouts to left

Parmesan Cheese Grits

Fold some Parmesan cheese into your next batch of grits, for a nutty, buttery alternative to mashed potatoes.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
 

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup grits
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring the water to boiling. Stir in the grits and reduce heat to low.
  • Stir in the butter and cheese. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 159mgPotassium: 53mgVitamin A: 305IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 0.5mg

This estimate was created using an online nutrition calculator

Brag About Your BBQShare it on Instagram using #GirlsCanGrill