Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Tender lamb chops marinated in warm spices and grilled over charcoal for smoky depth, served with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 27 minutes blends ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 chops, about 1 inch thick lamb rib chops
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 8 lamb rib chops and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 2: Prepare your charcoal grill to medium-high heat, allowing the coals to develop a white ash coating (approximately 15-20 minutes).
- Step 3: Place the marinated lamb chops on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare or longer for desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes after grilling.
- Step 4: While lamb rests, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to make the garlic yogurt sauce.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled lamb chops accompanied by a generous dollop of the garlic yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast to the smoky spices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?
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 Spiced Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce 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 Spiced Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?
Middle Eastern 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.
Related recipes
Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri
Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt
Grilled Mint-Cilantro Marinated Lamb Chops with Cucumber Salad
Spicy Harissa Lamb Chops with Cucumber Salad
Serious Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce
Tow-Behind Sprayer Herb-Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
