Spice-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Tender grilled lamb chops rubbed with aromatic spices and served with a cooling mint yogurt sauce, perfect for a flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 20 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) lamb chops, ground cumin, ground coriander 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 400 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.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) lamb chops
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 minced garlic clove
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 8 lamb chops, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Step 2: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the lamb chops to prevent sticking. Grill chops for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook longer to desired doneness.
- Step 3: While lamb cooks, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 4: Serve grilled lamb chops hot, with a generous dollop of the mint yogurt sauce on the side for a refreshing contrast to the spices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spice-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Spice-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt 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 Spice-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt 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 Spice-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt 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 Spice-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce?
Mediterranean 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.
