Berbere-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb kebabs marinated in a berbere spice blend and served with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce, perfect for grilling or broiling. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes blends ground lamb, berbere spice mix, small, grated yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb with 2 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 small grated yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 8 oval-shaped kebabs, about 3 inches long. Place on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 minced garlic clove. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Brush kebabs lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill or broil kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until browned and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Serve kebabs hot with the garlic yogurt sauce and flatbread or salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Berbere-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Berbere-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Berbere-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Yogurt Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Berbere-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Berbere-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Yogurt Sauce?

African lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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