Greek Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
