Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Za'atar and Sumac Yogurt
Tender lamb chops pan-seared with aromatic za'atar spice, served alongside a tangy sumac-infused yogurt sauce for a vibrant Middle Eastern flavor. This Middle Eastern-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs lamb chops, za'atar spice blend, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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 1.5 lbs) lamb chops
- 2 tbsp za'atar spice blend
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp sumac powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh mint leaves
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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 8 lamb chops (about 1.5 lbs) and season evenly with 2 tbsp za'atar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over them and rub the seasoning in thoroughly.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Once shimmering, place the lamb chops in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp sumac powder, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Mix well until smooth and tangy.
- Step 4: Remove the lamb chops from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with a generous dollop of the sumac yogurt sauce on the side.








