Grilled Herb and Ember-Spiced Lamb Chops
Juicy lamb chops marinated in a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, grilled over high heat for a smoky finish. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes pairs chops (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 2 lbs) lamb rib chops
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to create a marinade.
- Step 2: Place 8 lamb rib chops in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Coat evenly, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to high heat (450-500°F). Remove lamb chops from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness, until edges are nicely charred and meat is juicy inside.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Herb and Ember-Spiced Lamb Chops take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Herb and Ember-Spiced Lamb Chops?
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 chopped fresh rosemary from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb and Ember-Spiced Lamb Chops?
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 Herb and Ember-Spiced Lamb Chops 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 Herb and Ember-Spiced Lamb Chops?
Mediterranean grilling 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.
