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Spice-Marinated and Grilled Lamb Chops

This aromatic high-protein dish elevates the humble lamb chop with a vibrant Indian-inspired marinade. By combining cooling crème fraîche with punchy ginger, garlic, and fragrant fennel seeds, the meat is tenderised while absorbing a complex balance of heat and spice. The addition of dried fenugreek and lime juice provides an authentic depth of flavour that pairs beautifully with the rich, succulent lamb.

Ideal for a sophisticated weekend lunch or a nutritious midweek dinner, these grilled lamb chops are remarkably simple to prepare. The marinade can be made up to twelve hours in advance, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply for a more intense savoury finish. Serve these tender chops alongside a fresh green salad or roasted root vegetables for a balanced, protein-rich meal.

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Ingredients for Spice-Marinated and Grilled Lamb Chops

  • 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds

  • 1 serrano chilli, finely grated

  • 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, peeled, finely grated

  • 4 garlic cloves, finely grated

  • 60ml crème fraîche or soured 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 teaspoons finely grated nutmeg

  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chilli powder or paprika, plus more for serving

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grill

  • 12 lamb rib chops (about 1.0kg total), frenched

  • Kosher salt

  • Mint leaves, coriander leaves with tender stems, and lemon wedges (for serving)

  • A spice mill or mortar and pestle

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 chilli, ginger, garlic, crème fraîche, lime juice, mustard oil (if using), mango powder (if using), fenugreek leaves, pepper, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon chilli powder, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and mix well. Season lamb chops with salt and add to marinade; turn to coat. Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

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

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.

Top lamb with mint and coriander and dust with more chilli powder. Serve with lemon wedges.

Lamb can be marinated 12 hours ahead. Keep chilled.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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