Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Lemon
Juicy lamb chops marinated in harissa and lemon, grilled to perfection with a side of roasted sweet potatoes. This mediterranean (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs lamb chops, harissa paste, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 400g lamb chops
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 lemon
- 200g sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high. Trim excess fat from 400g lamb chops. In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Rub harissa mixture evenly over lamb chops, pressing gently to adhere. Let marinate for 15 minutes while preparing sides.
- Step 3: Peel and dice 200g sweet potatoes into 1cm cubes. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
- Step 4: Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). Rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Squeeze remaining lemon half over lamb chops. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 with Lemon?
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-Spiced Lamb Chops with Lemon?
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 with Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Spiced Lamb Chops with Lemon gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The lamb was so tender and the harissa spice was perfect for my dinner party! My guests kept asking for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Loved the lemon twist! Made for my husband and he said it was his favorite dish this week.
- ★★★★☆
The harissa was a bit too spicy for my taste, but the lemon helped balance it. Took longer than expected to cook.
