Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops
Tender lamb chops coated in a vibrant harissa spice blend, seared to perfection for a North African-inspired dish. This mediterranean-inspired mediterranean ready in about 18 minutes pairs pounds, about 1 inch thick lamb chops, tablespoons harissa paste, tablespoon olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds, about 1 inch thick lamb chops
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons harissa paste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the lamb chops. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lamb chops and cook for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C). Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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-Spiced Lamb Chops?
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 tablespoons harissa paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops?
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-Spiced Lamb Chops 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops?
Mediterranean mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
