Grilled Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt
Tender lamb chops marinated in smoky harissa and grilled to perfection, served alongside a cooling mint-infused yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs chops, about 1-inch thick lamb chops, harissa paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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.
Ingredients
- 8 chops, about 1-inch thick lamb chops
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this marinade all over 8 lamb chops, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves and 2 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare, until nicely charred and cooked to preferred doneness.
- Step 4: Remove the chops from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with a generous dollop of the mint yogurt sauce on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?
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 harissa paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?
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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?
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.
