Grilled Mediterranean-Spiced Lamb Chops

lamb chop

James And James / Photolibrary / Getty Images

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 22 mins
Servings: 4 to 5 servings

The Mediterranean-style spice and herb mix is the secret to this succulent lamb chop recipe. The lamb chops sit for several hours (or overnight) in a savory paste made of olive oil, garlic, spices, and herbs. What results are lamb chops that are tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

These grilled lamb chops would be delicious served alongside orzo studded with cherry tomatoes and parsley and drizzled with fruity olive oil. Of course, throwing some vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant on the grill with the chops makes for a simple and complementary side dish. And don't forget plenty of lemon halves for squeezing over everything.​

Ingredients

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 2 pounds lamb loin chops, about 8 to 10

  • Salt, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a large baking dish, combine all the ingredients—except for the lamb chops and salt—and mix until combined.

  3. Add the lamb chops and rub the seasoning mixture onto both sides. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours, turning over the lamb chops halfway through. You can also let the lamb chops sit overnight.

  4. Preheat a grill, grill pan, or broiler. Remove the chops from the spice rub and salt both sides generously. Cook about 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  5. Serve and enjoy.

Glass Bakeware Warning

Do not use glass bakeware when broiling or when a recipe calls to add liquid to a hot pan, as glass may explode. Even if it states oven safe or heat resistant, tempered glass products can, and do, break occasionally.

Tips

  • This recipe calls for readily available loin lamb chops or T-bone chops. You can substitute the more affordable shoulder chop, however, for a quicker cooking option.
  • Pull the chops out of the refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature before placing them on the grill. This takes approximately 20 minutes.
  • For a nice crust, grill the chops over a very high heat to medium-rare. They will cook quickly, resulting in a simple sear on the outside.
  • Add 30 seconds to the cooking time for chops done to medium temperature.
  • Serve your chops with a classic British mint sauce, or keep it Mediterranean with a spoonful of creamy cucumber yogurt sauce served on the side.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
386 Calories
29g Fat
2g Carbs
31g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 5
Amount per serving
Calories 386
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 29g 37%
Saturated Fat 12g 62%
Cholesterol 98mg 33%
Sodium 204mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 31g
Vitamin C 1mg 4%
Calcium 34mg 3%
Iron 4mg 20%
Potassium 352mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)