Citrus-Spiced Grilled Lamb Skewers with Harissa Yogurt

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb skewers marinated in bright citrus and warm spices, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling harissa-spiced yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes, orange juice, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds 1-inch cubed lamb leg to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lamb is nicely charred on the outside and cooked to medium-rare or desired doneness.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, stir 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp harissa paste and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled lamb skewers hot with the harissa yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Spiced Grilled Lamb Skewers with Harissa Yogurt 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 Citrus-Spiced Grilled Lamb Skewers with Harissa Yogurt?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Grilled Lamb Skewers with Harissa Yogurt?

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 Citrus-Spiced Grilled Lamb Skewers with Harissa Yogurt 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 Citrus-Spiced Grilled Lamb Skewers with Harissa Yogurt?

Mediterranean 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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