Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce

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

Tender lamb chops marinated in tangy yogurt and spices, grilled to juicy perfection and served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 25 minutes blends about 1 inch thick lamb chops, plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice 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 400 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; whisk until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 lamb chops to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for maximum tenderness and sour flavor infusion.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove lamb chops from marinade and brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side until medium-rare, with nicely charred edges and juicy pink center.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, blend 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves with 1/2 cup plain yogurt and a pinch of salt to create the mint yogurt sauce. Serve lamb chops hot with a dollop of this cooling, sour mint sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint 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 Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint 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 Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint 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 Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint 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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