Buffet-Style Indian Tandoori Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Dip

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

Tender lamb marinated in fragrant tandoori spices and grilled on skewers, served with cooling mint yogurt dip inspired by Indian barbecue buffets. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes blends 1-inch pieces lamb leg, cubed, plain yogurt, tandoori masala powder 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 430 calories and feeds 6, 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: 12 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp tandoori masala powder, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil until smooth. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb leg and coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated lamb pieces onto skewers evenly.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or broiler to high heat (about 450°F). Grill lamb skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until charred at edges and cooked to medium doneness.
  4. Step 4: For the mint yogurt dip, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 small finely chopped green chili, and 1/2 tsp cumin powder in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Step 5: Serve the lamb skewers hot with the chilled mint yogurt dip for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buffet-Style Indian Tandoori Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Dip take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Buffet-Style Indian Tandoori Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Dip?

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 Buffet-Style Indian Tandoori Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Dip?

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 Buffet-Style Indian Tandoori Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Buffet-Style Indian Tandoori Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Dip?

Indian 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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