Char-Grilled Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Lemon Potatoes
Tender lamb chunks marinated in herbs and lemon, grilled to perfection and served with creamy tzatziki and oven-roasted lemon potatoes. This greek-inspired lamb ready in about 55 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 lb potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb lamb shoulder cubes with 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp dried oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated lamb onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning intermittently until the lamb is charred on edges and cooked to medium doneness.
- Step 3: While lamb grills, preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 lb potato wedges with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp fresh lemon zest, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
- Step 4: For the tzatziki, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup grated, drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp white vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled lamb souvlaki skewers alongside lemon potatoes with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Char-Grilled Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Lemon Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Char-Grilled Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Lemon Potatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Grilled Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Lemon Potatoes?
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 Char-Grilled Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Lemon Potatoes 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 Char-Grilled Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Lemon Potatoes?
Greek 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.