Seared Desert Bighorn-Inspired Lamb Chops with Sonoran Spice Rub
Tender lamb chops seasoned with a blend of smoky and earthy spices inspired by the Sonoran Desert, seared to perfection for a flavorful and aromatic main dish. This Mediterranean-inspired Mardi Gras recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs lamb chops, ground cumin, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 lb) lamb chops
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped (for garnish) fresh cilantro
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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: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Sonoran spice rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry 8 lamb chops (about 1 lb) and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chop. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the lamb chops and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a rich brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
- Step 4: Remove chops from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.








