Grilled Zaatar-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tzatziki

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb chops marinated in zaatar and grilled to perfection, served with a cooling cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 20 minutes pairs chops (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops, zaatar seasoning, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp zaatar seasoning, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 8 lamb rib chops and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 medium finely diced cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness, until nicely charred and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with a generous dollop of the chilled tzatziki sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Zaatar-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tzatziki take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Zaatar-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tzatziki?

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 zaatar seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Zaatar-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tzatziki?

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 Zaatar-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tzatziki 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 Zaatar-Spiced Lamb Chops with Tzatziki?

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.

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