Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Tender lamb chops marinated in a bright citrus and garlic blend, grilled to perfect medium-rare, and served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs chops (about 1.5 pounds) lamb rib chops, olive oil, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 8 chops (about 1.5 pounds) lamb rib chops
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 8 lamb rib chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each chop is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Remove the lamb chops from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, until a thermometer registers 135°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin in a small bowl. Stir well and serve alongside the grilled lamb chops for a cooling contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops with Mint 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce?
Mediterranean 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.