Berbere-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb chops rubbed with aromatic berbere spice then grilled to perfection, served with a dollop of warm spiced butter inspired by Ethiopian niter kibbeh. This Ethiopian-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs lamb rib chops, berbere spice blend, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp minced ginger root, 1/2 tsp crushed fenugreek seeds, 1 small crushed cinnamon stick piece, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Mix thoroughly and set aside at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Season 8 lamb rib chops evenly with 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, rubbing the spices into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place lamb chops on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness, until nicely charred and juicy.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chops from the grill and rest for 5 minutes. Top each chop with a generous dollop of the prepared spiced butter, allowing it to melt over the warm meat before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Berbere-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced Butter take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Berbere-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lamb rib chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Berbere-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Berbere-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Berbere-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced Butter?

Ethiopian lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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