Skillet-Seared Spiced Lamb with Pan Sauce

Warm Middle Eastern spices are the highlight of this deeply flavored yet easy seared-lamb dish for two. The simple pan sauce is enriched with the same spices, along with garlic and dry red wine.

Grab a larger skillet and a few more lamb chops to make a tasty, inviting dinner for four.

And if you're a lamb fan, check out Grilled Lamb Chops with Pomegranate-Bourbon Sauce, Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Cucumber-Chive Yogurt, and Skillet-Seared Coffee-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Honey-Butter.

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chile powder
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 1-1/2-inch-thick lamb loin chops (about 1-1/4 lbs total)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Spices for the Lamb

Lamb Loin Chops

Preparation

1. Combine the spices (paprika through cinnamon) in a small bowl. Reserve 1 teaspoon for the pan sauce. Rub the remainder of the mixture all over the lamb chops and let stand at room temperature 20 minutes.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and brush with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper and sear until medium-rare, about 4 minutes per side (or until desired degree of doneness). Tip: Cover the pan for a couple minutes while searing on each side to help cook quickly and promote juiciness.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the chops to a plate. Let rest 3 minutes.

Mixed Spices 

Spice-Rubbed Lamb 

Lamb Chops Beginning to Sear 

After Turning

Seared Lamb Chops

1. Reheat the skillet over low heat. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add the reserved spice mixture and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. Add the wine and whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Garlic Added

Pan Sauce

Plate the lamb chops and spoon the pan sauce overtop. Garnish with parsley and serve. 

Skillet-Seared Spiced Lamb with Pan Sauce