Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Xinjiang Spiced Yogurt Sauce
Tender lamb chops pan-seared to a golden crust paired with a cooling yogurt sauce infused with traditional Xinjiang spices for a harmonious flavor contrast. This Middle Eastern-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs lamb chops, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 6 pieces, about 1 inch thick lamb chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp ground chili flakes
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 6 lamb chops and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the lamb chops and sear for 4 minutes without moving until a deep golden crust forms.
- Step 3: Flip the chops and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or longer to your preferred doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: While the lamb rests, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp ground chili flakes in a small bowl until smooth and aromatic.
- Step 5: Serve the rested lamb chops with a generous dollop of the spiced yogurt sauce for a fresh and balanced finish.









