Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Lemon Zest

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

Juicy lamb chops coated in spicy harissa, finished with a bright lemon zest finish for perfect balance. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 21 minutes pairs lamb 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 1, 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 6 min Serves 1 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat lamb chops dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with 1 tsp olive oil, 2 tsp harissa paste, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp chopped rosemary.
  2. Step 2: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking. Add lamb chops and sear for 3 minutes without moving to develop a crust.
  3. Step 3: Flip chops and cook for 3 more minutes for medium-rare (adjust time for desired doneness). Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Zest 1/2 lemon directly over the rested chops. Squeeze the remaining lemon half over the top for brightness. Serve immediately with the pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 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 Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Lemon Zest?

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 lamb chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Lemon Zest?

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 Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Lemon Zest?

Mediterranean grilling 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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