Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced Yogurt Sauce
Juicy lamb chops marinated in a fiery berbere spice blend, grilled to smoky perfection and served with a cooling spiced yogurt sauce. This ethiopian-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes blends (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops, berbere spice mix, olive oil 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 520 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.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops
- 2 tbsp berbere spice mix
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp berbere spice mix, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp salt. Rub this marinade evenly over 8 lamb rib chops. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 3: Grill the marinated lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side, until they develop a charred crust and reach desired doneness.
- Step 4: While the lamb cooks, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled lamb chops hot, accompanied by the spiced yogurt sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced 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 Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced 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 Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced 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 Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced Yogurt Sauce?
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.
