Skip to main content

Spice-Marinated and Grilled Lamb Chops

5.0

(2)

Image may contain Food Dish Meal Vase Pottery Jar Potted Plant Plant and Planter
Photo by Peden + Munk

You don’t need a roaring-hot grill for this lamb chops recipe. Grilling them over moderate heat will allow some of the fat to soften and render.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 serrano chile, finely grated
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, peeled, finely grated
4 garlic cloves, finely grated
1/4 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon mustard oil (optional)
1 teaspoon dried mango powder (amchoor; optional)
1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon finely grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder or paprika, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grill
12 lamb rib chops (about 2 1/4 pounds total), frenched
Kosher salt
Mint leaves, cilantro leaves with tender stems, and lemon wedges (for serving)

Special Equipment

A spice mill or mortar and pestle

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toast fennel seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, shaking pan often, until fragrant, about 45 seconds; let cool. Finely grind in spice mill or with mortar and pestle. Transfer to a large bowl; add in chile, ginger, garlic, crème fraîche, lime juice, mustard oil (if using), mango powder (if using), fenugreek leaves, pepper, nutmeg, 1 tsp. chili powder, and 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil and mix well. Season lamb chops with salt and add to marinade; turn to coat. Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

    Step 2

    Let lamb chops sit at room temperature 1 hour before grilling.

    Step 3

    Prepare a grill for medium heat; oil grate. Grill lamb to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a platter; let rest 5–10 minutes.

    Step 4

    Top lamb with mint and cilantro and dust with more chili powder. Serve with lemon wedges.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 5

    Lamb can be marinated 12 hours ahead. Keep chilled.

Read More
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.
Nutty, protein-packed, and batchable—perfect for hectic mornings.