Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Raita

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

Juicy lamb chops marinated in a robust tandoori spice blend and served with a cooling mint yogurt raita. This indian ready in about 30 minutes pairs lamb chops, plain yogurt, tandoori masala for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp tandoori masala, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade. Stir until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 pieces of lamb chops to the marinade, coating each chop thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the mint raita by mixing 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/2 diced cucumber, and 1/4 tsp ground cumin in a small bowl. Season lightly with salt and stir well. Chill until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove lamb chops from marinade and shake off excess.
  5. Step 5: Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred on the outside and cooked to medium-rare or desired doneness.
  6. Step 6: Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving alongside the chilled mint raita for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Raita take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Raita?

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 lamb chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Raita?

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 Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Raita 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 Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Chops with Mint Raita?

Indian indian 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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