Sumac-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb chops rubbed with tangy sumac and fragrant spices, pan-seared and paired with a cooling mint yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 20 minutes pairs chops (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops, ground sumac, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground sumac, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 8 lamb rib chops.
  2. Step 2: 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 per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness, until edges are nicely browned.
  3. Step 3: Remove lamb chops from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 3 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove. Stir until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Serve the lamb chops hot, accompanied by the mint yogurt sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 ground sumac from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sumac-Rubbed 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 Sumac-Rubbed 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 Sumac-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Mint 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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