Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian-Inspired Sauce

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

Juicy lamb chops rubbed with spicy berbere seasoning and grilled to perfection, served with a tangy sauce reminiscent of Ethiopian flavors. This African recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs lamb chops, berbere spice blend, olive oil 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this mixture thoroughly over 8 lamb chops and let marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach your preferred doneness and have a nice char.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl to make the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Remove chops from grill and rest for 5 minutes. Serve the lamb chops drizzled with the yogurt sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian-Inspired Sauce 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 Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian-Inspired 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 chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian-Inspired 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 Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian-Inspired 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 Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian-Inspired Sauce?

Ethiopian african 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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