Four-Spice Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce

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

Grilled lamb chops seasoned with a fragrant four-spice blend, paired with a cooling mint yogurt sauce for a perfect balance. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes blends (about 1 inch thick) lamb rib chops, ground cinnamon, ground allspice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt to make the four-spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 8 lamb rib chops (about 1 inch thick) and rub both sides evenly with the spice mixture.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the chops and let them marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness.
  5. Step 5: While grilling, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
  6. Step 6: Remove lamb chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each chop with a generous dollop of mint yogurt sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Four-Spice Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Four-Spice Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Four-Spice Grilled 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 Four-Spice Grilled 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 Four-Spice Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce?

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.

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