Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Honey Glazed Lamb Chops
Tender lamb chops glazed with a honey and Ethiopian coffee-inspired spice rub, pan-seared to a juicy finish. This ethiopian-inspired lamb ready in about 37 minutes pairs (about 1.5 pounds) lamb loin chops, Ethiopian coffee powder, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 pounds) lamb loin chops
- 1 tbsp Ethiopian coffee powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp Ethiopian coffee powder, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Rub this spice mixture evenly over 8 lamb loin chops and let them rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the lamb chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, drizzle 3 tbsp honey over the chops, and add 1 tsp lemon zest. Spoon the honey glaze continuously over the lamb for 2 minutes to create a shiny coating.
- Step 5: Remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Honey Glazed 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 Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Honey Glazed 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 ethiopian coffee powder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Honey Glazed 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 Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Honey Glazed 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 Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Honey Glazed Lamb Chops?
Ethiopian lamb 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.
