Grilled Regional-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Dip
Grilled lamb chops rubbed with a blend of regional warm spices paired with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce for balance and brightness. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes blends chops (about 1.5 lbs) lamb chops, ground cumin, ground coriander into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 1.5 lbs) lamb chops
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; rub this spice blend evenly over 8 lamb chops.
- Step 2: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the lamb chops and let them marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl; mix well and refrigerate.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill lamb chops for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
- Step 5: Rest chops for 5 minutes, then serve with the mint yogurt dip on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Regional-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Dip take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Regional-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Dip?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Regional-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Dip?
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 Regional-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Dip 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 Regional-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Dip?
Middle Eastern 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.