Chef John's Grilled Lamb with Mint Orange Sauce

These tender lamb chops with mint sauce are grilled and rely on a blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, orange, fresh mint, and a touch of cinnamon.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 438 Calories

Ingredients

• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 2 pounds lamb loin chops
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs - Italian, Greek, or French blend
• 1 pinch hot chili flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.25 cup orange marmalade

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Step 2

Place lamb chops in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add olive oil, garlic, cumin, mixed herbs, black pepper, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt; toss until lamb evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator at least 4 hours.

Step 3

Place lamb chops on grill; sprinkle with a bit of salt. Grill on the first side until seared, 4 to 7 minutes depending on the size of the chops, rotating chops a half turn on the grill about 1 minute before flipping. Flip chops and grill other side until desired doneness, 4 to 7 minutes more. For medium rare, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centers should read 125 to 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). Transfer to a serving dish and tent loosely with foil.

Step 4

Make the sauce: Combine marmalade, mint, vinegar, and pepper flakes together in a bowl.

Step 5

Brush sauce over the chops and serve.