Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender lamb chunks marinated in warm spices and grilled over charcoal for a smoky finish, paired with a cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired grilling recipe, ready in about 30 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 400 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 400 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a fragrant marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed lamb leg to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated lamb cubes onto skewers evenly.
  4. Step 4: Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F) with coals glowing and covered in white ash.
  5. Step 5: Grill lamb kebabs for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until exterior is nicely charred and interior reaches medium-rare (about 145°F).
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated and squeezed cucumber, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, and 1 tbsp chopped parsley in a small bowl for a refreshing sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve grilled lamb kebabs hot with the cucumber-yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Yogurt Sauce?

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 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 Charcoal-Grilled 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 Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Yogurt Sauce?

Middle Eastern 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.

Related recipes