Sumac-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce
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.
Ingredients
- 8 chops (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops
- 2 tbsp ground sumac
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic clove
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Remove lamb chops from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- 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.
- 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The sumac rub is perfect for lamb. I'll never cook lamb chops any other way again.
- ★★★★★
Loved the authentic Middle Eastern flavors. The mint yogurt sauce is a game-changer.
- ★★★★★
I've been making this for family dinners for months now. Everyone asks for the recipe!