04 September 2026
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Moroccan lamb backstrap
The Kitchen

Moroccan lamb backstrap

Love lamb backstrap - beautifully tender with a relatively mild lamb savour. Pairs 100% perfectly with a bold, earthy Moroccan Ras el hanout spice blend.

By Test Kitchen · Morocco · 2 min ·
Ingredients · Servings 4
  • 2 x 250g/8oz lamb backstraps ((Note 1))
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ((rubbing))
  • 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ((cooking))
  • 1 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
  • 3/4 tsp cumin powder
  • 3/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp allspice powder
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/8 tsp clove powder
  • 3/4 cup Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (, plus extra swish for drizzling)
  • 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
  • Pinch of sumac or paprika (, optional garnish)
  • Pearl couscous salad ((pictured in post))
  • Classic couscous
  • More side suggestions in post
Method · 10 min
  1. Yogurt sauce - Mix ingredients. Refrigerate until required.
  2. Moroccan spice mix - Mix the spices in a small bowl.
  3. Coat backstrap - Pat the backstraps dry with a paper towel then rub all over with 1 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mix on the lamb backstraps - use it all! Set aside for 1 hour to marinate (if time permits, can skip).
  4. Cook - Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook the lamb backstops for 4 minutes on each side, or until the core temperature is 59°C/138°F.
  5. Rest - Transfer onto a rack set over a tray (or just a plate) to rest for 3 minutes. Cut into 0.75 - 1 cm / 1/4 - 1/3" thick slices. Serve with yogurt sauce!

Cook this lean, delicate meat gently - keep it blushing pink for optimum juiciness!Serve on a bed of Pearl couscous salad or traditional couscous for a fabulous share platter. Cook on the stove or BBQ on warm summer days! Moroccan spice mix - Mix the spices in a small bowl.

Coat backstrap - Pat the backstraps dry with a paper towel then rub all over with 1 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mix on the lamb backstraps - use it all!

Set aside for 1 hour to marinate (if time permits, can skip). Cook - Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.

Cook the lamb backstops for 4 minutes on each side, or until the core temperature is 59°C/138°F. Rest - Transfer onto a rack set over a tray (or just a plate) to rest for 3 minutes.

Cut into 0.75 - 1 cm / 1/4 - 1/3" thick slices.

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