Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender lamb chops marinated in a fiery berbere spice blend and grilled to smoky perfection, served with a cooling yogurt and cucumber sauce. This African recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs lamb rib 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 470 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 470 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub the marinade all over 8 lamb rib chops, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to develop flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness, until nicely charred and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While lamb cooks, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Step 5: Remove lamb from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve chops hot with a dollop of the cooling yogurt sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with 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 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 lamb rib chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chops with 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 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 Yogurt 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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