Grilled Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops with Preserved Lemon Yogurt
Tender lamb chops infused with warm Moroccan spices, paired with a tangy preserved lemon yogurt sauce to balance the rich flavors. This african-inspired middle eastern ready in about 50 minutes pairs chops (about 1.5 lbs) lamb chops, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 lbs) lamb chops
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp finely chopped (rind only) preserved lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
- Step 2: Rub the marinade evenly over 8 lamb chops and let them marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours refrigerated.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp finely chopped preserved lemon rind, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1 tsp lemon juice in a small bowl; refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
- Step 5: Remove chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve lamb chops hot with a dollop of preserved lemon yogurt sauce on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops with Preserved Lemon Yogurt take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops with Preserved Lemon 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 ground cumin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops with Preserved Lemon 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 Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops with Preserved Lemon 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 Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops with Preserved Lemon Yogurt?
African middle eastern 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family devoured these—especially the kids who usually hate lamb. The yogurt sauce is genius.
- ★★★★★
A game-changer for weeknight dinners! The lamb chops stayed juicy, and the yogurt sauce made it feel special without extra effort.
- ★★★★★
The Moroccan spices were perfectly balanced, and the preserved lemon yogurt cut through the richness beautifully. My dinner guests asked for the recipe immediately!
