Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Charred Lemon
Tender lamb chops coated in smoky harissa spice, roasted until juicy with a charred citrus finish for bright contrast. This Middle Eastern recipe (mediterranean), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs lamb loin chops, harissa paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 4 (1 inch thick, about 10 oz total) lamb loin chops
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, thinly sliced lemon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 rosemary sprigs
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat lamb chops dry with paper towels; season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt. Mix harissa paste, olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Step 2: Rub harissa mixture evenly over all lamb surfaces, pressing gently to adhere. Place chops on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast lamb for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, turning once halfway, until internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C).
- Step 4: While lamb cooks, place lemon slices on a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and caramelized.
- Step 5: Transfer chops to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Arrange charred lemon slices and rosemary sprigs around the plate; sprinkle with fresh oregano.









