Sear-Roasted Lamb Chops

INGREDIENTS

* 4 lamb loin chops (1 1/4 inches thick)
* Salt
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
2. Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels, then season generously all over with salt and pepper.
3. Place a thin film of oil in the bottom of a large ovenproof frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until smoking. Add the lamb chops and cook undisturbed until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook undisturbed until the second side is golden brown and crusty, about 3 minutes more.
4. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast until the chops register 130°F on an instant-read thermometer for medium rare, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer the chops to a cutting board or serving platter. Tent with foil and let rest 5 minutes before serving.