Tandoori lamb chops marinated in yoghurt, ginger, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. These juicy, tender chops capture the smoky, aromatic flavours of traditional tandoor cooking right at home.
Whether you fire them up on the grill, cook them in a pan, or use the air fryer, this easy recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flavour-packed lamb chops every time. All it takes is a quick tandoori marinade with yoghurt, spices, and a squeeze of lemon juice to transform simple lamb into a delicious, aromatic dish.
This recipe is perfect for a summer BBQ, a quick weekday dinner, or special occasions like Eid. Serve with naan, fresh salad, or a cooling yogurt dip for a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
What do you need for Tandoori Lamb Chop
Lamb Chops – This recipe uses lamb rib chops, but you can also use shoulder or loin chops.
Yoghurt – Plain yoghurt works best; Greek yoghurt is ideal as it’s thicker and not watery.
Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed for tangy flavour.
Kashmiri Red Chilli – Gives the bright red colour that’s signature to tandoori dishes.
Chilli Flakes – Adds heat, since Kashmiri red chilli is mild.
Turmeric – Enhances the colour naturally.
Cumin Powder & Garam Masala – Aromatic spices that add depth and flavour.
Ginger & Garlic – Freshly crushed for best results; a mortar and pestle works great.
Salt – To taste.
How to Cook Tandoori Lamb Chops
- Combine the Marinade Ingredients – In a bowl, mix yoghurt, lemon juice, Kashmiri red chilli, turmeric, cumin powder, garam masala, ginger, garlic, chilli flakes, and salt until well combined.
- Marinate the Chops – Coat the lamb chops thoroughly with the marinade, rubbing it into the meat so the flavours penetrate. For best results, marinate for at least a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Cook the Lamb Chops – Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and drizzle with a little oil. Place the marinated chops on the pan and grill for 3–4 minutes on each side for medium-well. Adjust the time slightly for your preferred doneness.
AIR FRYING TANDOORI LAMB CHOPS
Preheat the air fryer 200 C for 2 minutes. Arrange the marinated lamb chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly brush with oil.
Air fry for 15–20 minutes, turning the chops halfway through. Brush a little oil on the other side when you flip for an even, golden finish.
Best Lamb Cut for Pan Grilling
Use any of these lamb cuts to cook in pan or grill:
- Lamb Loin Chops – Tender and flavorful, often compared to T-bone steaks in beef. Ideal for pan-frying as they retain their juiciness.
- Lamb Rib Chops (Cutlets) – Delicate and prized for their tenderness and subtle flavor. Cook quickly and avoid overcooking to preserve texture.
- Forequarter Chops – Cut from the shoulder with a bolder flavor. Slightly tougher, but marinating and cooking at moderate heat makes them delicious.
- Lamb Leg Steaks – Leaner cuts that benefit from quick cooking. Best served medium or medium-rare to keep them moist and flavorful.
Ideal Temperature for Cooked Lamb
The ideal internal temperature for lamb depends on how well-done you like it. Using a kitchen thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures perfectly juicy chops every time.
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-Rare: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium: 160°F (71°C)
- Medium-Well: 170°F (77°C)
- Well-Done: 170°F (77°C) or higher
Tips:
Let the lamb rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and the temperature to rise slightly, giving tender, flavorful results.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
Watch How to Make Tandoori Lamb Chops
Tips for Perfect Tandoori Lamb Chops
- Marinate Well – For maximum flavor, marinate the lamb chops for at least a few hours or overnight. The yoghurt and spices tenderize the meat and infuse it with aroma.
- Choose the Right Cut – Rib chops and loin chops are tender and juicy, while forequarter or leg steaks offer bolder flavor. Adjust cooking time based on the cut.
- Cooking Methods – Whether using a grill, pan, or air fryer, cook over medium-high heat for a nice sear. Flip once to retain juices.
- Watch the Temperature – Use a meat thermometer to reach your preferred doneness: medium-rare (145°F/63°C) to medium-well (170°F/77°C).
- Rest the Meat – Allow the chops to rest 3–5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
- Oil & Heat – Lightly brush oil during cooking to get a golden finish without sticking. Avoid overcooking, especially for rib and loin chops.
Serving Suggestion For Tandoori Lamb Chops
Serve hot with naan, tandoori roti, or pita bread. Add a fresh salad or mint yogurt dip on the side for balance.
Perfect for summer BBQs, quick dinners, or festive occasions like Eid.
Pair with other grilled dishes for a complete spread: seekh kebabs, lamb shish, tandoori chicken, or chicken malai boti.
For a hearty meal, serve alongside basmati rice or pea pulao, but don’t let it overshadow the smoky lamb flavour.
Other Recipes to Try
Seekh Kebabs – Pakistani Recipe
Tried This recipe ? Tell me how it went! Leave a comment with your experience, favourite tweaks, or questions — I love hearing from you.
Tandoori Lamb Chops
Ingredients
- 8 Lamb Chops See Notes
- 2 tbsp Yoghurt
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- 1 tsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Notes
- 1 tsp Red Chilli flakes
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- ¼ tsp Turmeric
- 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
- 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
- Oil for grilling
Instructions
- In a bowl add yoghurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic and all the spices. Combine it well.
- Add the lamb chops and mix them well. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours. They can be marinated for up to 24 hours to achieve best flavour.
- Heat the grill pan, once its hot, turn the heat to medium low. Drizzle some oil and put the lamb chops over it. Grill for 10 minutes turning them over once.
- Rest them for 5 minutes and serve.
Video
Notes
- I have used rib chops for this recipe. You can also use shoulder chops or loin chops.
- Use Paprika as an alternate to Kashmiri red chilli powder.
- Tandoori meat is usually well done. If you prefer medium rare reduce the cooking time.
Perfect recipe, so easy to make. Lamb Chops turned out to be perfect with right balance of spices.
Thankyou Nes, its good to know that you liked the recipe !
I made this after eating a similar dish at Brigadiers in London. This was simple but super flavorful. Really perfect. Thank you!
Thankyou Jennifer. Im glad that you liked the recipe 😊