Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri
Succulent lamb chops seasoned with warm spices and grilled over charcoal for smoky flavor, complemented by a vibrant mint chimichurri sauce. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs chops (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops, ground coriander, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 8 chops (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup packed fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil for chimichurri
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over 8 lamb rib chops (about 2 lbs) along with 2 tbsp olive oil. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Prepare the mint chimichurri by finely chopping 1 cup fresh mint leaves and 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves. In a bowl, whisk together the herbs with 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup olive oil until well combined.
- Step 3: Light a charcoal grill and wait until the coals are covered with white ash (medium-high heat). Place the lamb chops directly over the coals and grill for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your preferred doneness.
- Step 4: Remove lamb chops from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped generously with the mint chimichurri sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri?
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 coriander from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri?
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 Mint Chimichurri 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 Mint Chimichurri?
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.