Mediterranean Grilled Harissa Lamb Chops
Juicy lamb chops marinated in a fiery harissa paste and grilled to a smoky finish, served with a cooling yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 1 inch thick 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 450 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 pieces, about 1 inch thick lamb chops
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
- Step 2: Rub the marinade all over 8 lamb chops, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to infuse flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach desired doneness and develop grill marks.
- Step 4: While grilling, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves to make a cooling sauce.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled lamb chops hot with a dollop of the cucumber-mint yogurt sauce on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Grilled Harissa Lamb Chops take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Mediterranean Grilled Harissa 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 about 1 inch thick lamb chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Grilled Harissa 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 Mediterranean Grilled Harissa 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 Mediterranean Grilled Harissa Lamb Chops?
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.
