Spiced Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt
Tender lamb chops pan-seared with warm spices and served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 20 minutes pairs about 1-inch thick lamb chops, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 6 lamb chops.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the lamb chops and cook for 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting time slightly for desired doneness.
- Step 3: While the lamb cooks, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 4: Remove the lamb chops from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the mint yogurt sauce spooned alongside.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep about 1-inch thick lamb chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?
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 Spiced Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Spiced Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?
Middle Eastern 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.