Smoky Spanish-Style Grilled Lamb Chops with Romesco Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled lamb chops infused with smoked paprika and garlic, served alongside vibrant roasted red pepper and almond romesco sauce. This spanish-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops, smoked paprika, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp smoked paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade. Rub this mixture evenly over 8 lamb rib chops.
  2. Step 2: Let the lamb marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes while preparing the romesco sauce.
  3. Step 3: In a food processor, combine 2 large roasted red peppers, 1/2 cup toasted almonds, 2 tbsp sherry vinegar, 1/4 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 tsp smoked chili flakes, and 2-3 tbsp water. Pulse until smooth but still a bit textured.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Grill the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness.
  5. Step 5: Let the chops rest for 5 minutes, then serve each with a generous spoonful of the romesco sauce alongside for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Spanish-Style Grilled Lamb Chops with Romesco Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smoky Spanish-Style Grilled Lamb Chops with Romesco Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Spanish-Style Grilled Lamb Chops with Romesco Sauce?

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 Smoky Spanish-Style Grilled Lamb Chops with Romesco Sauce 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 Smoky Spanish-Style Grilled Lamb Chops with Romesco Sauce?

Spanish 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.

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