Sicilian beef chops are simple, bright, and full of savory Mediterranean flavor. The lemon and garlic wake up the meat, the oregano and thyme add warm herb notes, and the chopped black olives and parsley bring a salty, fresh finish. If you enjoy rich beef finishes, try layering these chops with a companion spread like the savory beef bacon butter recipe for a bolder bite: beef bacon butter.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes active + 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: ~420 kcal
- Protein: ~42 g
- Carbohydrates: ~2 g
- Fat: ~32 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Sugar: ~1 g
- Sodium: ~700 mg
(Values are approximate and will vary with chop size and exact ingredients.)
Why Make This Sicilian Beef Chops
This recipe is fast, bold, and home-cook friendly. The lemon and garlic give bright, fragrant notes. Dried oregano and thyme add warm, herbal depth. Chopped black olives bring a tangy salt burst, and fresh parsley gives a clean, green finish. It’s great for weeknights and small dinner parties because it cooks quickly and looks impressive on the plate.
How to Make Sicilian Beef Chops
This method keeps the meat juicy and loads each bite with Mediterranean flavor. Marinate briefly to let the aromatics sink in, then sear hot for a caramelized crust. Resting the chops keeps juices inside so the texture stays tender.
Ingredients:
- 4 beef chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup pitted black olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the beef chops dry with paper towels so they brown evenly. Measure and chop the garlic, olives, and parsley.
Step 2: Mixing
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until combined. This creates a quick, tangy marinade that coats the meat.
Step 3: Cooking
Rub the mixture over the beef chops and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. Place the chops on the hot grill or skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Aim for a nicely browned crust and an internal temperature that matches your preference.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the chops from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes to let juices redistribute. Top each chop with the chopped black olives and fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and bright flavor.
How to Serve Sicilian Beef Chops
Serve these chops with simple sides that complement their bright, savory profile. Good choices:
- Roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes for comfort.
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus.
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini and red peppers for a lighter plate.
Garnish with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the meat. The texture should feel tender with a slightly crisp edge and a juicy center.
How to Store Sicilian Beef Chops
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 10–15 minutes or finish in a skillet over medium heat to preserve texture. Avoid high heat which can overcook and dry the meat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sicilian Beef Chops
- Pat chops dry before seasoning to get the best sear.
- Use a thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F medium-rare, 145°F medium. Remember the meat will rise a few degrees while resting.
- Let chops rest 5–8 minutes after cooking to keep juices inside.
- If using thicker chops, briefly finish in a lower oven to cook through without burning the outside.
- Taste before adding more salt; olives add saltiness.
- Substitute fresh oregano and thyme if you have them—use about 1 tablespoon fresh of each for brighter herbal flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Lemon-Caper Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of capers with the olives for extra tang.
- Spicy Sicilian: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the marinade for heat.
- Garlic-Butter Finish: Spoon a small pat of garlic butter over each chop just before serving for richness.
- Herb-Crusted: Press a mix of breadcrumbs, parsley, and grated lemon zest on the chops and broil briefly for a crunchy top.
- Wine-Braised: After searing, finish in a shallow pan with 1/2 cup dry white wine and cover for 10–12 minutes for a softer, braised finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I marinate the chops longer?
Yes. You can marinate 2–4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor. Avoid overnight if your lemon and salt are strong; they can start to cure the meat. -
What cut works best for these chops?
Rib or loin chops work well. Look for 3/4–1 inch thickness for even cooking. Thicker cuts will need more cook time. -
Can I make this on a stove-top skillet only?
Absolutely. A heavy skillet or cast-iron pan gives excellent sear and works great if you don’t have a grill. -
How do I know when the chops are done?
Use an instant-read thermometer for best results: 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. Touch can be tricky—thermometer is reliable. -
Can I prepare the olive-parsley topping ahead?
Yes. Chop the olives and parsley and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add fresh lemon juice just before serving for brightness. -
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes. The dish is low in carbs and suitable for low-carb or keto diets. Serve with low-carb sides like steamed greens or cauliflower mash.
Conclusion
These Sicilian beef chops are a quick way to bring bright, savory Mediterranean flavors to the table. The lemon-garlic marinade, warm herbs, and olive-parsley topping create a satisfying mix of taste and texture that works for weeknights or guests. For another simple Sicilian-style idea focused on grilled beef, check out this Simple Sicilian-Style Grilled Steak recipe for more inspiration. Give these chops a try — they’re easy, delicious, and full of character.
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Sicilian Beef Chops
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto-Friendly
Description
Simple, bright, and full of savory Mediterranean flavor, these Sicilian beef chops are marinated with lemon, garlic, and herbs, then seared to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 beef chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup pitted black olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the beef chops dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Rub the marinade over the beef chops and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chops on the hot grill or skillet for about 5–7 minutes on each side until they have a nicely browned crust and preferred internal temperature.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with black olives and fresh parsley.
Notes
For a richer flavor, serve with beef bacon butter or other complementary spreads. Optional to marinate for 2-4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
