Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Honey Glazed Lamb Chops
Juicy lamb chops marinated with Ethiopian coffee grounds and honey, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, sweet-savory flavor. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes pairs chops (about 2 pounds) lamb rib chops, finely ground Ethiopian coffee, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 chops (about 2 pounds) lamb rib chops
- 2 tbsp finely ground Ethiopian coffee
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp finely ground Ethiopian coffee, 3 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary to form a marinade.
- Step 2: Place 8 lamb rib chops (about 2 pounds) in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove lamb chops from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until they develop a nice char and reach medium-rare (internal temperature 135°F).
- Step 5: Transfer lamb chops to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Step 6: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or injera flatbread to complement the smoky coffee and honey glaze.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Honey Glazed Lamb Chops take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced 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 honey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Honey Glazed Lamb Chops?
African 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.
