How to Make the Perfect Honey Harissa Lamb Chops with Couscous
North African · Medium · 35 min · 2 servings
Succulent lamb chops marinated in a bold honey harissa blend are grilled to perfection and served over fluffy herbed couscous for a North African-inspired date night dinner. The sweet heat of the marinade caramelizes beautifully on the grill creating an irresistible crust that is full of complex flavor.
Why this recipe works
This Honey Harissa Lamb Chops with Couscous recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 610 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 6 pieces lamb loin chops about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.5 cups boiling chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Lamb
In a small bowl whisk together harissa paste and honey until smooth. Rub the mixture all over the lamb chops making sure they are evenly coated. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Couscous
Place couscous in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling broth over it. Immediately cover tightly with plastic wrap or a plate and let it steam for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork then season with salt pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 3: Grill the Lamb Chops
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat and lightly oil the surface. Cook lamb chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare allowing them to develop a deep caramelized crust from the honey harissa. Rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Assemble and Garnish
Mound the herbed couscous onto each plate and lean three lamb chops against each other on top. Scatter fresh chopped mint generously over the dish and add a spoonful of plain yogurt on the side if desired. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- harissa paste → sriracha mixed with a pinch of cumin and coriander for a similar heat profile
- couscous → quinoa cooked in broth for a gluten-free alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the grill pan which causes the lamb to steam instead of sear and caramelize
- Grilling cold lamb straight from the refrigerator which results in uneven cooking throughout
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 610 calories, 42g protein, 48g carbs, 26g fat, 4g fiber.
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