Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki
Tender lamb chunks marinated in warm spices, grilled over charcoal, served with a cooling cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This mediterranean-inspired grilling (mediterranean) ready in about 27 minutes pairs lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced (for tzatziki)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tzatziki)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb 1-inch lamb cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Step 2: While the lamb marinates, prepare the tzatziki by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated and drained cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat with hot coals. Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 4: Grill the lamb kebabs over direct heat for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully to get a nice char on all sides, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium.
- Step 5: Remove kebabs from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki?
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 Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki 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 Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki?
Mediterranean grilling 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.
