Sumac-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender lamb chops rubbed with a fragrant sumac-spice blend, grilled to perfection and served alongside a cooling garlic-yogurt sauce for balance. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes blends chops (about 1.5 pounds) lamb rib chops, tablespoons sumac, teaspoon 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 370 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 Middle Eastern cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons sumac, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over 8 lamb rib chops.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the lamb chops and rub again to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness, letting them develop a nice char.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled lamb chops hot with a dollop of the garlic-yogurt sauce on the side for a cooling contrast.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sumac-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt 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 Sumac-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic 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 Sumac-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic 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 Sumac-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic 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 Sumac-Rubbed Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

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.

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