PakistaniMedium · Hot
Bone-in lamb chops marinated in tangy yogurt with bold spices, seared to perfection and served alongside smoky charred ginger. A Lahori-inspired feast that rewards patience with deep, complex flavor.
20 min
25 min
10 min
55 min
Method
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add lamb chops to the yogurt mixture, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
Grind the toasted spices in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Mix in cayenne. Remove lamb chops from marinade, letting excess yogurt drip off, and press the spice rub generously onto both sides of each chop.
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until smoking. Place lamb chops in a single layer — do not crowd. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium, or until your desired doneness. The yogurt marinade will caramelize into a golden crust. Remove to a plate and rest.
While the lamb rests, reduce heat to medium-high. Add sliced fresh ginger to the same pan with olive oil. Char the ginger slices, turning once, until deeply golden and slightly crispy at the edges, about 3-4 minutes. The ginger should develop a smoky, caramelized flavor.
Arrange lamb chops on a serving platter. Scatter charred ginger slices over and around the chops. Finish with a generous handful of fresh cilantro scattered on top. Serve immediately.
Nutri-Score
Needs balance
A–E · lower is better · score 13
Calories
846
per serving
Protein
68g
Carbs
12g
Fat
59g
Sat. fat
36g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
5g
Sodium
1107mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Very high impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
8.3
per serving
Water
2.0m³
Land
899Pt
Runoff
0.4g P
Lamb Chops drives 96% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
Cast Iron SkilletTechniques
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Lamb chops must reach minimum internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer rather than relying solely on visual cues or time estimates to ensure food safety.
Cross Contamination
Keep raw lamb separate from ready-to-eat foods. Use dedicated cutting boards and utensils for raw meat. Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds after handling raw lamb and marinade.
Storage
Store marinated lamb in refrigerator at 40°F or below. Use within 2 days. Leftover cooked lamb may be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days in airtight container.
Allergen Warning
Recipe contains milk from yogurt marinade. Ensure all serving dishes and utensils are free from allergen residue when serving to allergic individuals.
High Risk Population
For pregnant women, elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals, ensure lamb is cooked to at least 160°F for well-done. The yogurt marinade does not provide protection against foodborne illness.
Handling
Do not reuse the marinade that has contacted raw lamb without first bringing it to a full boil. Discard any leftover marinade used with raw meat.
Equipment Safety
Cast-iron pan will be extremely hot during searing operation. Use long-handled tongs and oven mitts. Ensure adequate ventilation when cooking at high heat.
Pro Tips
Technique
Never rush the sear — get your pan smoking hot before the lamb touches it. That high heat creates the crust that holds all those beautiful spice flavors inside.
Make Ahead
The marinade does its best work overnight, but even 4 hours makes a difference. Just bring the lamb to room temperature before cooking for even results.
From the chef
In Lahore, my mother would never rush lamb — she said good meat deserves patience, and this recipe proves her right. The yogurt tenderizes while the spices work their magic overnight, and that charred ginger brings the smoke of the karahi straight to your table. This is the taste of home, done properly, with time and love.
Source: generated · June 10, 2026