Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Spiced Lamb Skewers

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

Tender lamb skewers marinated with Ethiopian spices and a subtle coffee infusion, grilled to smoky perfection. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs pound lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes, freshly brewed strong Ethiopian coffee, teaspoons berbere spice blend 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup freshly brewed strong Ethiopian coffee, 2 teaspoons berbere spice blend, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound lamb leg cubes to the marinade, mixing thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until lamb is browned on all sides and cooked to medium doneness (internal temperature of 145°F).
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the meat.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Spiced Lamb Skewers 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 Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Spiced Lamb Skewers?

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 teaspoons berbere spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Spiced Lamb Skewers?

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 Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Spiced Lamb Skewers 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 Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Spiced Lamb Skewers?

African 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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