If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for a weeknight or special occasion, Mediterranean lamb chops are a great option. The juicy and tender lamb, combined with fragrant Mediterranean flavours and a delicious lemon tahini and yogurt sauce, creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
For more Mediterranean inspired dishes try my Baked Cod with Spanish Flavours, Shakshuka, Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs, or One-Pan Spanish Chicken Bake.
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Why you will love this recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The lamb chops are seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and spices that give them a savory and aromatic flavor.
- Nutritious: Lamb is a great source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and easy to follow, and the lamb chops cook in just a few minutes, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner.
- Lemon Tahini Sauce: The lemon tahini sauce adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish that complements the lamb chops perfectly.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Lamb loin chops - these chops are like little T-bone steaks that are quick to cook and very tasty. I recommend cooking them to medium-rare otherwise they can become tough.
Spice rub - like any spice rub, feel free to play around with the combinations and quantities. Other additions or substitutes include dried oregano, turmeric or curry powder. Store bought spice blends with Greek, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean flavours would all work well.
Tahini Sauce - to save on time you could use a store bought hummus with this recipe. The tahini sauce, once thinned out, also makes a delicious dressing or sauce for salads and roasted vegetables or other meats.
Please refer to the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and quantities.
How to make this recipe
Please see full instructions in the recipe card below.
Step 1 - Drizzle both sides of the chops with oil.
Step 2 - Rub spice rub into both sides of the meat. Let sit for 15 minutes or up to one hour with the spice mixture.
Step 3 - Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet and fry on one side for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4 - Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 125 Fahrenheit for medium-rare. Tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 5 - Whisk together the tahini sauce ingredients with a whisk or a fork. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired thickness is reached. If you prefer to drizzle the sauce over top of the chops, add more water until it is thin enough to drizzle.
Step 6 - Spread sauce on a serving plate or platter. Once the chops have been cooked and rested for 10 minutes, nestle them into the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro and chili flakes (optional) Serve warm and enjoy!
What to serve with Mediterranean Lamb Chops
There are many side dish options that go well with this recipe. My top picks include Creamy Cauliflower and Celery Root Puree, Sauteed Lemon Garlic Kale, Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts and for a refreshing side option try this Quinoa Taboulleh Salad or these delicious Roasted Beets with Goat's Cheese and Almonds!
Expert Tips
- For perfectly cooked meat use a quick-read thermometer.
- Adjust the heat as needed to make sure the chops don't start to burn. This can happen more quickly because of the spice rub. Also keep in mind that a little "char" is okay too and very tasty!
- Add ice water to the tahini yogurt sauce in small quantities to reach your desired consistency. The sauce makes a delicious salad dressing as well as a sauce for other meats and vegetables.
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Mediterranean Lamb Chops
Ingredients
Spice Rub
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Lamb Chops
- 8 lamb loin chops 700 grams
- 4 teaspoons olive oil divided
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish chopped
- Crushed chili flakes optional
Tahini Yogurt Sauce
- ¼ cup tahini paste
- ½ cup Greek yogurt plain
- ¼ cup lemon juice fresh
- 1 clove Garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt more or less to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch cayenne pepper optional
- Ice water
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix together the spice rub ingredients.
- Drizzle 2 teaspoons of oil over the lamb chops and use your hands to rub the oil into both sides of the meat. Then rub the spice mixture onto both sides. Allow the lamb chops to sit and absorb the flavors of the spice mixture while you prepare the tahini-yogurt sauce.
- Using a whisk or fork mix together all the ingredients for the tahini yogurt sauce. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until sauce is a thick but spreadable consistency. Set aside. Note: If you prefer to drizzle the chops with the sauce rather than set them on a bed of sauce, thin with ice water until desired consistency.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan. Once hot add chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare or until the temperature on an instant-read thermometer reads 125 degrees Fahrenheit, for medium-rare, or 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium.
- Transfer the cooked lamb chops to a platter and loosely tent with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, spread the tahini yogurt sauce on a large plate or platter. After the chops have rested, arrange them on top of the sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley and crushed chili flakes if using. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftover chops, covered, in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Store tahini sauce in a covered container in the fridge for one week.
- For perfectly cooked meat use a quick read thermometer and cook to 125 degrees F. for medium rare.
- Adjust the heat as needed to make sure the chops don't start to burn. This can happen more quickly because of the spice rub. Also keep in mind that a little "char" is okay too and very tasty!
- Add ice water to the tahini yogurt sauce in small quantities to reach your desired consistency. The sauce makes a delicious salad dressing as well as a sauce for other meats and vegetables.
Beth says
Looking forward to trying these. Do you have any recommendations for a tahini substitute due to sesame allergies? Thank you!
Andrea says
Hi Beth! All natural cashew or almond butter would be the best options. Let me know how it turns out if you try it!
Beth says
Thanks Andrea…. I should have been more clear. My son has an allergy to sesame and poppy seeds as well as all nuts and peanuts…. I’m thinking I can just serve the tahini on the side…
Andrea says
Ahh okay! There isn't really a good substitute other than other nut butters. However an alternative sauce that would be delicious is Tzatziki. I have a recipe included with these stuffed peppers if you want to use your own https://mypocketkitchen.com/quinoa-stuffed-peppers/ Hope you enjoy the chops!
Beth says
Perfect, thank you.
Heather says
Can't wait to try these, Andrea!!! The website is looking great, too!
Andrea says
Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy the recipe!