Name: Lamb Steaks with Caper Pan Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 Lamb steaks (also called shoulder chops); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 Tablespoons capers (drained and chopped); 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock); 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley

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Looking for a great lamb steak recipe? These steaks are charred to perfection, doused in a caper cream sauce, and ready in about 20 minutes.

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We all love a stunning leg of lamb recipe on a holiday table. But you can make a flavorful lamb dish any night of the week if you use the right cut. And lamb steak is a delicious option without all the work.

📖Why My Recipe Works

Quick Cooking- Like beef steaks, lamb steaks are ideal for quick cooking. A simple sear and done.
Vibrant Flavor- There is nothing better than a pan sauce that uses the flavor of the meat combined with cream and seasoning for an effortless sauce. The caper and herb combo here is top-notch.

When choosing lamb steaks for pan searing, you'll typically find two main options for your cut of lamb. Lamb steaks (also called lamb leg steaks or lamb shoulder steak) are lean and tender, ideal for quick cooking over high heat. Lamb shoulder chops are well-marbled, offering rich flavor. Both cuts work well for pan-searing and are more economical than lamb chops.

🧾Ingredient Notes

Garlic - You can also use roasted garlic or a little minced shallot. Please don't use garlic powder. It won't have the right punch.
Capers- Capers add an amazing tangy flavor to the sauce.
White Wine- You can also use chicken stock if you don't want to use wine.
Butter- Use cold butter and cut into cubes.
Heavy Cream- Cream gives the sauce a velvety texture. Unlike the butter I like to let the cream sit at room temperature while cooking the lamb.
Fresh Parsley- Not just for garnish so don't skip it this time. You can substitute fresh thyme if desired.

⏲️How to Cook Lamb Steaks

The start to any great recipe; Liberally season the steaks with salt and pepper.

Sear the lamb 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. How long to cook the lamb depends on the thickness of your steaks.

Transfer the cooked steaks to a plate and allow the steaks to rest while you make the pan sauce. Fry the capers and garlic for no more than 1 minute.

Add the wine and scrape up the brown bits before reducing down. Whisk constantly while you add the butter. Finish with cream and parsley.

Serve the sauce on the side or you can return the steaks to the pan and coat with the sauce.

🥗What to Serve with Pan-Fried Lamb

I recommend balancing the rich lamb with lighter, fresher sides. Because this juicy lamb steak recipe only takes 20 minutes from start to finish I like to pair it with equally fast side dishes.

This includes harissa carrots, brussels sprout salad with pomegranate, saffron rice, lemon basil rice, and garlic green beans are all great options.

Lamb Steak Tips

Let the lamb sit at room temperature before cooking (just 15 minutes or so).
Pat steaks dry with paper towels before seasoning for better browning.
Sear in a heavy-bottomed pan (cast iron is ideal).
Use a hot pan to achieve a good crust.
Don't overcrowd the pan - leave space between steaks.