Honey-Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops
Tender lamb chops grilled with a fragrant honey and Ethiopian coffee-based spice rub, offering a smoky, sweet, and complex flavor profile. This Ethiopian-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs lamb rib chops, ground Ethiopian coffee, berbere spice blend for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 8 chops (about 2 lbs) lamb rib chops
- 2 tbsp ground Ethiopian coffee
- 1 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground Ethiopian coffee, 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the spice rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry 8 lamb rib chops (about 2 lbs), then rub both sides evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 3: Generously coat each lamb chop with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat. Drizzle 2 tbsp honey over the chops and gently pat to adhere.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if desired, until grill marks form and internal temperature reaches 135°F.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Honey-Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Grilled 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 lamb rib chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Grilled 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 Honey-Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Grilled 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 Honey-Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops?
Ethiopian lamb 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.
