Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt
Juicy lamb chops rubbed with a fragrant spice mix and grilled over charcoal, paired with a cooling mint yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground coriander, ground cumin, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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 (about 1 inch thick, 2 pounds total) lamb loin chops
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over 8 lamb loin chops (about 2 pounds).
- Step 2: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the lamb chops and rub to coat all sides. Let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Prepare a charcoal grill and heat until coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash, about 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Place lamb chops directly over the hot coals and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until they reach an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.
- Step 5: While the lamb cooks, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 clove minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth and fragrant.
- Step 6: Remove lamb chops from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each chop with a dollop of mint yogurt sauce on top or on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Yogurt?
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 Yogurt?
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 Yogurt 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 Yogurt?
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.