Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Ethiopian Spiced Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb chops marinated in a fiery berbere spice blend, grilled to smoky perfection and served with a cooling spiced yogurt sauce. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops, berbere spice mix, olive oil 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 African cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  3. Step 3: Grill the marinated lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side, until they develop a charred crust and reach desired doneness.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled lamb chops hot, accompanied by the spiced yogurt sauce for dipping or drizzling.

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). 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 Spiced Yogurt 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 (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops from drying out.

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?

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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