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Rosemary-Crusted Goat Chops Recipe

Rosemary-Crusted Goat Chops (Inihaw na Karne ng Kambing)

Rosemary-crusted goat chops are a sophisticated yet approachable dish that elevates lean, grass-fed goat meat through careful dry brining and precise temperature control. The method creates a golden-brown crust infused with aromatic rosemary, while maintaining a perfectly tender interior, offering a refined alternative to traditional lamb chops at a more accessible price point. This dish bridges classic French technique with Filipino culinary wisdom, yielding restaurant-quality results in a home kitchen.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 3
Calories 420 kcal
Difficulty Intermediate

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet (Kawaling bakal) Essential for achieving the perfect sear
  • Digital Meat Thermometer For precise cooking temperature
  • Sharp knife [Matalas na kutsilyo] For scoring fat and portioning
  • Kitchen tongs (Sipit) For safe meat handling
  • Paper towels For patting meat dry
  • Small Plate or Baking Sheet For marinating
  • Spoon (Kutsara) For basting

Ingredients
 

For the Chops:

  • 4 goat chops around 12 oz / 340g (Karne ng kambing)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt Asin
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Dinurog na paminta
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary Dinurog na rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons light olive oil

For Finishing:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Mantikilya
  • 1 small sprig rosemary Rosemary
  • 2 cloves garlic Bawang (crushed)
  • Flaky sea salt Asin
  • Lemon wedges
  • 2 teaspoons sliced chives optional (Hiwa ng chives)

Instructions
 

  • Take the goat chops and use your knife to score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern, making shallow cuts across the surface. This helps the fat render better during cooking.
  • Season all sides of the chops generously with kosher salt and black pepper, then sprinkle with the finely chopped rosemary, pressing it gently into the meat. Place the seasoned chops on a plate or baking sheet and put them in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. This dry brining step is crucial for flavor and texture.
  • When you're ready to cook, take the chops out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
  • While waiting, gather your cast iron skillet and other ingredients. Pat the chops dry with paper towels if you see any moisture on the surface.
  • Place your cold cast iron skillet on the stove and add the olive oil. Place the goat chops fat-side down in the cold pan, then turn the heat to medium. This slow start helps render the fat better.
  • Cook the chops on the fat side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. You'll see the fat starting to melt and turn crispy.
  • Turn the heat up to high, then flip the chops onto one of their flat sides. Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Flip the chops to the other flat side and cook for another 2 minutes. If you're using a meat thermometer, start checking the temperature now.
  • Add the butter, crushed garlic cloves, and a sprig of rosemary to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the chops with the hot butter for about 30 seconds.
  • Check the internal temperature with your meat thermometer if using one. For medium-rare, look for 130°F (54°C). For medium, aim for 135°F (57°C).
  • Transfer the chops to a plate lined with paper towels and let them rest in a warm spot for 4-5 minutes. The temperature will rise another 5 degrees while resting.
  • Sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Don't forget to pick up the bones with your hands after cutting off the meat – that's where some of the best bites are hiding.
  • If you want to save the chops for later, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat them gently in a low-temperature oven (300°F/150°C) for about 10 minutes to avoid toughening the meat.

Tips from Lola's Kitchen

Rosemary-Crusted Goat Chops Recipe
  • Always choose fresh, young goat meat for the most tender results
  • Pat the meat completely dry before seasoning for the best crust
  • Don't move the meat while searing - let it develop a good crust
  • Save the bones for making soup 
  • If you smell gaminess, soak the meat in ginger-vinegar solution for 30 minutes before cooking
 

Traditional Serving Suggestions 

  • Serve with steamed rice (kanin)
  • Pair with achara (pickled green papaya)
  • Offer sawsawan (dipping sauce) of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili
  • Garnish with fresh calamansi
  • Include ensaladang talong (grilled eggplant salad)
 

Troubleshooting 

  • Tough meat: Ensure proper resting time and cooking temperature
  • No crust forming: Pat meat completely dry and ensure pan is hot enough
  • Too gamey: Pre-soak in vinegar solution or milk
  • Burning too quickly: Lower heat and adjust cooking time
  • Uneven cooking: Ensure meat is at room temperature before cooking
 

Ingredient Alternatives

  • Rosemary → Thyme or oregano
  • Olive oil → Canola or vegetable oil
  • Kosher salt → Sea salt
  • Fresh garlic → Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon per clove)
  • Butter → Margarine or olive oil
 

Storage & Reheating

  • Storage:
    • Refrigerator: 3-4 days in airtight container
    • Freezer: Up to 3 months well-wrapped
  • Reheating:
    • Oven: 150°C/300°F for 10 minutes
    • Pan: Low heat with splash of water
    • Avoid microwave to prevent toughening
 

Variations

  1. Filipino Bistek Style:
    • Marinate in calamansi juice and soy sauce
    • Top with caramelized onions
  2. Spicy Version:
    • Add chili flakes to dry rub
    • Serve with spicy vinegar dip
  3. Herb-Crusted:
    • Mix rosemary with thyme and sage
    • Add breadcrumb coating

 

FAQs

Q: Why is my goat meat tough? A: Goat meat needs proper temperature control and resting time. Never overcook as it becomes tough quickly.
Q: Can I use frozen goat chops? A: Yes, but thaw completely in refrigerator and ensure meat reaches room temperature before cooking.
Q: How do I reduce gamey flavor? A: Proper dry brining and marinating in acid (vinegar/calamansi) helps reduce gamey taste.
Q: Can I grill these chops? A: Yes, grill on high heat 3-4 minutes per side, avoiding flare-ups from fat dripping.
Q: How do I know when the meat is done? A: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, or press the meat - it should be firm but spring back slightly.
 
Rosemary-Crusted Goat Chops Recipe
Rosemary-Crusted Goat Chops Recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 42gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 159mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 530mgFiber: 0.04gSugar: 0.03gVitamin A: 233IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 4mg
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