Côtelettes d’Agneau Persillées (Herb-Crusted Lamb Cutlets)

Côtelettes d’agneau persillées take tender rib cutlets in a distinctly French, parsley-forward direction: a light coating of Dijon mustard helps a garlicky breadcrumb and herb crust cling to the meat, while quick pan-frying gives the outside a crisp, golden finish. The style is simple but precise, relying on dry chops, firm pressing into the crumbs and enough heat to brown without drying the lamb. Served immediately with lemon wedges, the cutlets offer savoury richness, fresh herbs and a sharp citrus lift, making them well suited to a fast dinner that still feels polished.
Cuisine style French bistro-style
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Crisp herb crust: Dijon mustard helps the parsley breadcrumbs cling to the lamb, creating a savoury coating that browns quickly in the pan.
  • Fresh, savoury balance: Garlic, parsley, mustard, butter, and lemon bring brightness and depth without overpowering the flavour of the lamb.
  • Fast cooking: Rib cutlets are naturally quick to pan-fry, making this a practical dinner with a polished, restaurant-style finish.

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Authenticity notes

  • Persillade-style flavour: The parsley and garlic coating reflects persillade, a classic French seasoning often used to bring freshness to meat and vegetables.
  • Simple pan-fried finish: Pan-frying keeps the method approachable while still giving the cutlets a crisp, golden exterior.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose rib cutlets: Lamb rib cutlets are well suited to this recipe because they cook quickly and are easy to turn without disturbing the crust.
  • Dry the lamb well: Patting the cutlets dry helps the mustard adhere and reduces steam, which supports better browning.
  • Breadcrumb texture: Fine breadcrumbs give a more even crust, while coarser crumbs create a rougher, more rustic coating.

Common mistakes

  • Avoid crowding: Cook in batches if needed so the cutlets fry rather than steam and the coating has room to brown.
  • Watch the heat: If the crumbs darken before the lamb is cooked, lower the heat slightly to stop the garlic and parsley from scorching.
  • Do not overcook the lamb: Rib cutlets cook fast, so remove them once the crust is golden and the lamb is cooked to your preferred doneness.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prepare the crumb mixture ahead: The parsley, garlic, and breadcrumb mixture can be prepared shortly before cooking, then used when you are ready to coat the lamb.
  • Best eaten straight away: These cutlets are at their best just after cooking, while the crust is still hot and crisp.
  • Reheat gently: Leftovers can be reheated on a baking tray at 180°C (355°F) until piping hot, though the crust will soften slightly.

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Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Finely chop the fresh parsley and finely grate the garlic. Tip into a shallow bowl and mix with the breadcrumbs, fine sea salt and black pepper.
  2. Pat the lamb chops dry. Brush both sides lightly with the Dijon mustard, then press firmly into the parsley breadcrumb mixture to coat well.
  3. Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat until the butter foams. Add the chops and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the crust is golden and the lamb is still juicy; work in batches if needed so the pan is not crowded.
  4. Transfer the chops to plates and rest for 2 minutes. Cut the lemon into wedges and squeeze over just before serving.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the crispest crust, press the chops firmly into the breadcrumb mixture and avoid moving them in the pan until the first side has set and browned.
  • If the crumbs start to darken too quickly, lower the heat slightly and add a small knob more unsalted butter to keep the pan lubricated.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, cook the lamb until well done and piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace Fresh parsley with Fresh thyme for a more aromatic, woodsy crust.
  • Replace Dijon mustard with Whole-grain mustard for a milder heat and a coarser texture.
  • Replace Breadcrumbs with Gluten-free bread crumbs to make the crust gluten-free.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat on a baking tray in a 180°C (355°F) oven for 8 to 10 minutes until piping hot; the crust will soften slightly, so these are best eaten straight away.

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Côtelettes d’Agneau Persillées (Herb-Crusted Lamb Cutlets)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 25min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: French
  • Allergens:
    Gluten Milk Mustard Wheat
Beginner friendly One pot

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