Charred Lamb Shish Kebabs with Smoky Spice Rub

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

Tender lamb chunks marinated in a smoky spice blend, skewered and grilled to perfection with a hint of char and served with a cooling yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 25 minutes pairs lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb lamb leg cubes with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between pieces for even cooking.
  3. Step 3: Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until the lamb is charred on the edges and cooked to medium-rare or your preferred doneness.
  4. Step 4: While the lamb cooks, stir together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl to make a cooling sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve the lamb shish kebabs hot with a side of the mint yogurt sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Lamb Shish Kebabs with Smoky Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Charred Lamb Shish Kebabs with Smoky Spice Rub?

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 smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Lamb Shish Kebabs with Smoky Spice Rub?

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 Charred Lamb Shish Kebabs with Smoky Spice Rub 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 Charred Lamb Shish Kebabs with Smoky Spice Rub?

Middle Eastern 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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