Harissa Lamb Cutlets with Tzatziki and Tomato Salad
Quick-grilled lamb cutlets in a spicy harissa rub, cooled with garlicky tzatziki and a bright tomato and mint salad.
Made with Harissa paste and Homemade tzatziki. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £4.01 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Rub about 30 g of your ready made harissa paste (see the base recipe) and the olive oil over the lamb cutlets. Leave at room temperature for 20 minutes, or chill for up to 8 hours.
- 2
Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and halve any larger ones.
15 min - 3
Meanwhile, toss the tomatoes, red onion, mint, lemon juice and salt in a bowl. Stir the remaining harissa into your ready made tzatziki (see the base recipe) for a gentle swirl of heat.
- 4
Heat a griddle pan or heavy frying pan until very hot. Cook the cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for pink, or 5 minutes each side for well done.
3 min 30 s - 5
Rest the lamb on a warm plate for 5 minutes. Pour any juices over the potatoes.
- 6
Serve the cutlets with the potatoes, tomato salad and a generous spoonful of the harissa tzatziki.
Tips
- Cutlets are a whole cut of meat, so they can be served pink in the middle. Lamb mince must always be cooked right through.
- Do not move the cutlets for the first 2 minutes. That is how you get a dark crust.
- Use dairy free yoghurt tzatziki if you cannot have dairy.
Storing and freezing
Keep leftover cutlets covered in the fridge for up to 2 days and eat cold or reheat until steaming hot. Do not freeze the tzatziki.
Questions
Can I cook the cutlets on a barbecue?
Yes. Cook over medium high direct heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Keep the rub light, as harissa can scorch over a fierce flame.
What cut of lamb can I use instead?
Lamb leg steaks, chump chops or loin chops all work. Allow 4 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Is this dairy free?
Not as written, because tzatziki is made with yoghurt. Make the tzatziki with coconut or soya yoghurt, or serve the lamb with a lemon and olive oil dressing instead.
More made with harissa paste
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.