How to Trim Lamb Chops (A Step-by-Step Guide)

A step-by-step guide to trimming lamb chops and lamb lollipops. We'll show you how easy it is for the home cook to learn the special Frenching technique!

Looking for a recipe to try out your new skills? We've got you covered! Just follow this link to our delicious grilled lamb chops recipe. Tender, juicy, and packed with zesty lemon flavor, these chops are perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal.

Why You'll Love This

Trimming chops might seem daunting, but with the right technique and a sharp knife, you can transform a raw rack into elegant individual chops or even impressive lollipops. Let's dive in!

Here's What You Need

• rack of lamb - Most racks of lamb at your local grocery store will look like the above, partially Frenched. You can totally just score the fat cap and slice it into chops. But taking the time to properly trim chops makes for a prettier presentation and a clean handle to hold onto when you pick them up.

Variations

There are 3 different ways to trim chops:

1. Semi-Frenched (Steps 1-3) - Some of the bone is exposed and excess meat has been cut away.
2. Frenched (Step 4-5) - Fat cap has been cut off of the bones. The bones have been stripped of meat and fat, and have been scraped clean with a knife.
3. Lollipops (Step 6) - All fat has been trimmed from the meat.

We'll show you how to trim them all three ways.

How to Trim Lamb Chops

Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions. Each method builds upon the previous steps.

Semi-Frenched

Step 1. Cut Off Rib Bones

• Carefully slice horizontally between the tips of the bones and the tendon with a sharp boning knife.
• Remove the small bone pieces (nubs) and tendon without wasting meat.

Step 2. Cut Fat Cap From Bones

• Using a sharp boning knife, remove the thick layer of fat covering the bones.
• Be careful not to remove too much meat with the fat.

Step 3. Trim Away Meat From Bones

• Slice downward between each bone, but do not cut into the meat.
• Expose more of the bone by carefully cutting away excess meat around the bone structure.
• This will create a cleaner look for your finished product.

Frenched

Step 4. Frenched Rack of Lamb

• Cut the skin away from the fat cap.
• Create a clean, elegant look by removing meat and fat from the bones, creating a handle-like appearance around the bone.
• Scrape the bones clean with a knife, removing all fat, meat, and sheath.
• This technique is often used for a more formal presentation.

Step 5. Frenched Trimmed

• Cut the frenched rack into individual chops.
• You can adjust the thickness of the chops based on your preference.
• Generally, the easiest way to get even chops is to cut directly down the center between two bones.

Lollipops

Step 6. Extra Trimmed (Lollipops)

• To create lamb lollipops, remove excess fat from the meat of the frenched chops.
• This will give them a clean, lollipop-like appearance.

Lamb Trimming Tips

• Invest in a Good Knife: A sharp boning knife is essential for precise trimming. A dull knife will make the process more difficult and increase the risk of accidents. We recommend this boning knife from Global. It's super sharp and flexible, and makes trimming a breeze.
• Work on a Stable Surface: Ensure you have a stable cutting board to prevent slipping and accidents, like this cutting board from Winco. Love this board for working with meat. It's super easy to clean and sanitize in the dishwasher.
• Expose the Bones Gradually: Don't try to remove all the meat from the bone in one go. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the chop. Try not to go too far down into the meat where it meets the handle. Leave enough so that the chop is stable on the bone.
• Save the Trimmed Fat: Don't discard the trimmed meat and fat. It's so good to use to make a nice red sauce for pasta.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Trimming takes practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect.

Follow our handy how-to guide to Trimming Lamb Chops, and you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of lamb chop trimming. Whether you're aiming for classic elegance or a fun and modern presentation, your trimmed chops will be the star of your next meal.

xo ~ Seanna