Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy lamb chops rubbed with warm spices and grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor, served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs lamb loin chops, ground coriander, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over 8 lamb loin chops and let them rest at room temperature for 20 minutes while you prepare the grill.
  3. Step 3: Light a charcoal grill and wait until the coals are covered with white ash (approximately 30 minutes), then arrange coals for direct heat grilling.
  4. Step 4: Place lamb chops on the grill and cook for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, turning once to develop a smoky crust and an internal temperature of 135°F.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a bowl, stir together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Remove lamb chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with a dollop of the mint yogurt sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce 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 Sauce?

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 loin chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint 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 Mint 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 Mint Yogurt Sauce?

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.

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