About This Recipe
Seared, juicy lamb chops meet fresh cauliflower tabbouleh and a silky lemon–tahini drizzle — restaurant vibes in 30 minutes, low-carb and ultra-satisfying. This Mediterranean-inspired plate is naturally gluten-free and perfect for a weeknight keto dinner that still feels special.
Ingredients
Lamb & Marinade
- 4 small lamb rib or shoulder chops (about 1–1.25 lb total)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 3/4 tsp fine salt, plus black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp ghee (for searing)
Cauliflower Tabbouleh
- 2 cups riced cauliflower
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 6 cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus pepper to taste
Lemon-Tahini Drizzle
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 2–4 tbsp warm water (to thin)
Instructions
- Marinate lamb: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pat lamb dry, rub with marinade, and rest 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Make cauliflower tabbouleh: Warm 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add riced cauliflower and cook 3–4 minutes until tender‑crisp; transfer to a bowl to cool slightly. Toss with cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk tahini sauce: Stir together tahini, lemon juice, grated garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Whisk in warm water, 1 tbsp at a time, until smooth and drizzleable.
- Sear lamb: Heat a heavy skillet over medium‑high. Add ghee. Sear chops 3–4 minutes per side for medium‑rare (about 135°F/57°C), or to preferred doneness. Spoon pan juices over and rest 5 minutes.
- Plate & serve: Mound cauliflower tabbouleh on plates, top with lamb chops, and finish with lemon‑tahini drizzle. Garnish with extra herbs or a pinch of sumac (optional).
Keto Focus
Grain‑free tabbouleh swap using cauliflower rice; high‑fat tahini, olive oil, and ghee; moderate‑protein lamb; no added sugar or grains. Tomatoes are kept minimal to control carbs, delivering roughly 9g net carbs per serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 830
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 71g
- Total Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 6g
- Net Carbs: 9g
Tips & Variations
- Cut choice: Lamb shoulder chops are budget-friendly and flavorful; rib chops cook faster with a tender bite.
- Air fryer option: Cook marinated chops at 400°F (205°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Dairy-free: Swap ghee for olive oil or avocado oil.
- Veggie add-ins: Fold chopped olives or diced bell pepper into the tabbouleh for extra Mediterranean flair.
- Spice swap: Use za’atar or ras el hanout in place of cumin/coriander for a different profile.
- Meal prep: Keep lamb, tabbouleh, and tahini sauce in separate containers up to 3 days; dress just before serving to maintain freshness.
What to Serve With
- Grilled asparagus or sautéed green beans
- Cauliflower rice or a simple arugula-feta salad
- Lemon wedges for extra brightness
