Greek Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Greek Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce are a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for any occasion. Tender, herb-marinated lamb pairs beautifully with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce, creating a delightful balance of savory and cool flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 lamb rib chops (1 rack of lamb sliced into 8 chops)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 lemon (zest & juice)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the lamb chops dry, remove the membrane and slice off the fat cap. Cut between each bone to create 8 single chops.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon zest and juice, kosher salt, and black pepper to make the marinade. Reserve ¼ cup of this marinade for serving.
3. Step 3: Place the lamb chops in a large ziplock bag, pour in the marinade, and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Step 4: While the lamb marinates, prepare the mint yogurt sauce by mixing greek yogurt, chopped mint, minced garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a medium bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
5. Step 5: Remove the lamb from the fridge and let it come to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Heat a grill or cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach desired doneness.
7. Step 7: Transfer chops to a platter, let rest for a few minutes, then drizzle with the reserved marinade. Serve alongside the mint yogurt sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tender lamb, marinate overnight to enhance the flavors.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, substitute with 1 tsp dried rosemary and thyme each.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to cook lamb to your preferred doneness: 135°F for medium-rare.

Storage

Store leftover lamb chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking. Keep the mint yogurt sauce separate and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe?

Yes, you can use lamb loin chops or leg chops, but adjust cooking time accordingly as they may be thicker or thinner than rib chops.

Is the mint yogurt sauce necessary?

The mint yogurt sauce adds a fresh, cooling contrast to the rich lamb, but you can serve the chops with tzatziki or a simple lemon garlic sauce if preferred.

Greek Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe

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These Greek Lamb Chops are marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, lemon, and Dijon mustard, then grilled to perfection. Served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce, they make a deliciously aromatic and tender meal perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 lamb chops (serves 4) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Lamb Chops and Marinade

• 8 lamb rib chops (1 rack of lamb sliced into 8 chops)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 lemon (zest & juice)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Mint Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the lamb chops: Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels. Carefully remove the membrane from the back of the chops and trim off the fat cap. Using a sharp knife, slice between each rib bone to separate into 8 single lamb chops.
2. Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, dried oregano, lemon zest and juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.
3. Marinate the lamb: Place the lamb chops into a large sealable ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chops and massage the bag gently to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for later. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
4. Prepare the mint yogurt sauce: While the lamb marinates, combine Greek yogurt, chopped fresh mint, minced garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Bring lamb to room temperature: Remove the marinated lamb chops from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to let them come to room temperature. This ensures even grilling.
6. Grill the lamb chops: Preheat your grill or heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the lamb chops for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
7. Rest and serve: Transfer the grilled lamb chops to a platter and let them rest for a few minutes. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the chops. Serve alongside the chilled mint yogurt sauce for a refreshing complement.

Notes

• For best results, marinate the lamb overnight to allow flavors to fully develop.
• If you don’t have a grill, a cast iron skillet works well to achieve a nice sear and flavor.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper in the yogurt sauce according to your preferred spice level, or omit for a milder taste.
• Letting the lamb rest after grilling helps retain juices and enhances tenderness.
• Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh Greek salad to complete the meal.

Keywords: Lamb chops, Greek lamb, grilled lamb, mint yogurt sauce, Mediterranean recipe, easy lamb recipe