Grilled Tandoori Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Marinade
Tender lamb chops marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt and traditional tandoori spices, grilled to smoky perfection. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) lamb chops, plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste 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 320 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 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) lamb chops
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp mustard oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground coriander, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp mustard oil until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 8 lamb chops (about 1.5 lbs) to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove lamb chops from marinade letting excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side until charred edges appear and internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges or mint chutney.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Tandoori Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Tandoori Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Marinade?
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 Tandoori Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Marinade?
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 Tandoori Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Marinade 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 Tandoori Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Marinade?
Indian 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.