Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Minted Couscous

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

Lamb chops seared to perfection with North African harissa spice, served alongside fluffy couscous infused with fresh mint and lemon. This mediterranean-inspired grilling (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 35 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 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to form a rub. Rub evenly over both sides of 4 lamb loin chops.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, then rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a saucepan. Add 1 cup couscous and 1/4 teaspoon salt, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1/4 cup finely chopped mint, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1 lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice into the couscous.
  5. Step 5: Slice lamb chops and serve with minted couscous.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Minted Couscous take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Minted Couscous?

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 loin chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Minted Couscous?

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 Minted Couscous 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.

Is Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Minted Couscous gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes