Ethiopian-Inspired Coffee Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops

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

Juicy lamb chops rubbed with a fragrant blend of Ethiopian coffee, berbere, and spices, grilled to smoky perfection. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 1-inch thick lamb chops, freshly ground Ethiopian coffee beans, berbere spice blend for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp freshly ground Ethiopian coffee, 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp ground cumin.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over 8 lamb chops, then coat each chop thoroughly with the coffee-spice mixture. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness.
  4. Step 4: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Coffee Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Inspired Coffee Rubbed Grilled 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 about 1-inch thick lamb chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian-Inspired Coffee Rubbed Grilled 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-Inspired Coffee Rubbed Grilled 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-Inspired Coffee Rubbed Grilled 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.

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