Charcoal-Grilled Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops
Tender lamb chops infused with warm Moroccan spices, grilled over charcoal for a beautifully smoky and aromatic finish. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 37 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 330 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.
Ingredients
- 8 (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Rub 3 tbsp olive oil evenly over 8 lamb rib chops (about 1.5 lbs) and then coat both sides generously with the spice blend; let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Prepare a charcoal grill with medium-high heat, allowing the coals to ash over for even heat distribution.
- Step 4: Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare, turning once to create grill marks and a smoky crust.
- Step 5: Remove chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes; sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint over the chops and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over before eating.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 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 Charcoal-Grilled Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops?
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 ground cumin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops?
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 Charcoal-Grilled Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops 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 Charcoal-Grilled Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops?
Mediterranean grilling 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.
