Tender and Spicy Grilled Lamb Ribs – Your New Favorite BBQ Recipe

Tender & Spicy Grilled Lamb Ribs – Your New Favorite BBQ Recipe
Grilled Lamb Ribs with Green Chili Herbs and Spicy Sauce is the ultimate BBQ dish that brings together tender, juicy lamb ribs, a bold green chili herb topping, and a fiery, tangy sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts, this recipe offers a rich, smoky, and flavorful experience that will impress any crowd. The Greek yogurt marinade ensures the meat stays succulent, while the spicy glaze and herb mix add layers of freshness and heat.
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 lbs lamb ribs, trimmed
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Spicy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Green Chili Herb Topping:
- 4 green chilies, finely chopped (jalapeños or serranos)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Lamb Ribs: Trim any excess fat from the ribs. Rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger paste, cumin, and smoked paprika. Coat the ribs evenly and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make the Spicy Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, combine tomato paste, hot sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Green Chili Herb Topping: Mix chopped chilies, cilantro, parsley, mint, and lime juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Grill the Ribs: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Sear the ribs for 3 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat and cook for 20–30 minutes, flipping occasionally.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with the spicy sauce and sprinkle the green chili herb topping.
Notes
- Marinate the ribs overnight for extra tenderness.
- Adjust the number of green chilies for your spice preference.
- Resting the ribs after grilling ensures they stay juicy.
- Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: BBQ, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: grilled lamb ribs, BBQ lamb, spicy lamb ribs, green chili herb topping, summer BBQ, grilled meat recipes, lamb marinade, spicy glaze, Mediterranean BBQ
Alright, hear me out for a second—there’s something about biting into perfectly grilled lamb ribs, dripping with a tangy green chili herb sauce, that just screams “summer cookout goals.” And let me tell you, Grilled Lamb Ribs with Green Chili Herbs and Spicy Sauce is the kind of recipe that’ll make you the hero of your backyard BBQ (or at least get you a few extra compliments).
So, why lamb ribs? Because they’re rich, juicy, and way more exciting than the usual suspects like chicken wings. Pair them with a bold and zesty green chili herb mix, throw in a spicy sauce that packs a punch, and you’ve got yourself a flavor combo that’s off the charts. And trust me, even if you’re new to grilling, this recipe is doable. Speaking of lamb recipes, check out this collection of incredible recipes for more mouthwatering ideas.
Why Lamb Ribs Deserve a Spot on Your Grill
Here’s the thing about lamb ribs—they’re like the cool kid at the BBQ. They’ve got that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness if you cook them right, and they take on flavors like a champ. Plus, they’re just a little unexpected, which makes them kind of fun, you know?
And if you’re worried about overpowering the natural taste of the lamb, don’t be. The green chili herb sauce and spicy glaze complement the meat without drowning it. Oh, and if you’re into trying bold BBQ flavors, you might also love this guide to smoky chipotle burger patties—another grill-worthy favorite.
What You’ll Need to Make It Happen
Before we dive into the steps (see what I did there?), let’s talk about ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy, but every item here plays an important role.
The Ribs:
- 2 lbs lamb ribs (ask your butcher to trim them neatly)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
The Marinade:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (this is the secret to tender, juicy ribs)
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
The Spicy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (pick your favorite—no judgment!)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for that extra kick)
For the Green Chili Herb Topping:
- 4 green chilies, finely chopped (jalapeños or serranos work great)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice

For more creative twists on BBQ dishes, you might want to explore this post about Grilled Ribeye Steak—it’s a lighter option that’s still packed with flavor.
How to Prepare Grilled Lamb Ribs with Green Chili Herbs and Spicy Sauce
Preparation is key here. Start by marinating the ribs—it’s the foundation of all the flavor. Then, whip up your green chili herb sauce while the ribs soak up all those spices.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Grilled Lamb Ribs with Spicy Sauce
Cooking lamb ribs might sound intimidating, but trust me—it’s not. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden.
Step 1: Prepping the Lamb Ribs
Start by trimming off any large chunks of fat. While a little fat is great for flavor, too much can make the ribs greasy. Once trimmed, rub the ribs with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step sets the stage for greatness.
Step 2: Marinating for Big, Bold Flavor
Now for the fun part—marinating. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger paste, cumin, and smoked paprika. Coat the ribs generously with this mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. Let them chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.
Why this works: The yogurt not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat, making every bite melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Grilling to Perfection
When it’s time to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the ribs directly over the heat and sear them for about 3 minutes on each side. This gives them that gorgeous charred crust.
Next, move them to a cooler part of the grill and let them cook low and slow for 20–30 minutes. During this time, the fat will render, and the flavors will deepen.

Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Lamb Ribs
- Don’t skip the marinade: It’s where all the magic happens.
- Control the spice: Use fewer chilies if you’re not a fan of heat.
- Rest the ribs: Let them sit for 5 minutes after grilling to keep them juicy.
Nutrition Facts for Lamb Ribs with Spicy Herb Sauce
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 25g |
Fat | 22g |
Carbohydrates | 5g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 450mg |
Nutritional Benefits
- Lamb is high in protein and rich in iron, making it great for energy.
- Green chilies provide vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Herbs like parsley and cilantro offer anti-inflammatory properties.
The Spicy Sauce That Brings It All Together
Let’s talk sauce. Combine tomato paste, hot sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and cayenne in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The result? A sauce that’s tangy, spicy, and just a little sweet—a perfect complement to the smoky lamb ribs.
The Green Chili Herb Topping: The Final Touch
Don’t skip the herb topping—it’s what makes this dish pop. Finely chop the green chilies, cilantro, parsley, and mint, then toss them with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this vibrant mix over the ribs just before serving for a burst of freshness.
What to Serve with These Ribs
Honestly, these ribs are the star of the show, but they pair beautifully with a few simple sides. Here are my favorites:
- Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers work great.
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs make everything better.
- Cucumber Salad: Something fresh and crunchy to balance the heat.

And if you’re all about versatile dishes, you’ve got to see this recipe for creamy mushroom and spinach-stuffed chicken. It’s another winner for lunch.
Healthier Alternatives
- Use lean lamb cuts for lower fat.
- Replace oil with avocado oil for healthier fats.
- Go for low-sodium spices to reduce salt content.
- Opt for a vegan herb sauce using plant-based yogurt for creaminess.
Other Yummy Recipes
Looking for more tasty ideas? Check out these recipes:
- Smoky Chipotle Burger Patties
- Coconut Chicken Curry
- Chili Mango Sorbet
- The Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Grilled Potato Wedges
FAQs About Grilling Lamb Ribs
Begin by patting the ribs dry and trimming any excess fat. Remove the silver skin membrane from the bone side to enhance tenderness. Scoring the fat cap can help the seasoning penetrate deeper. Apply a light coating of oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices or herbs.
Marinating is optional but can enhance flavor and tenderness. A marinade of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, and red wine works well. Allow the ribs to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a more pronounced flavor.
For optimal results, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). This temperature allows for a good sear while ensuring the meat cooks evenly.
Grill the ribs bone side down over direct heat for about 5-7 minutes to achieve a nice sear. Then, move them to indirect heat and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare doneness.
Utilize a two-zone grilling method, searing the ribs over high heat before moving them to indirect heat to finish cooking. This approach helps render fat and maintain juiciness. Allow the ribs to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute.
Final Thoughts
These Grilled Lamb Ribs with Green Chili Herbs and Spicy Sauce aren’t just food; they’re an experience. Imagine the compliments rolling in as your friends and family savor every flavorful bite. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ bash or a weeknight dinner you want to jazz up, this dish brings the wow factor every time.
Feeling inspired to keep the grill fired up? These ribs deliver on every level, from their smoky aroma to their tender, juicy bite. So, grab your tongs, fire up that grill, and let’s make some magic happen. Your taste buds are about to go on one heck of a ride!