Cumin-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki

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

Juicy ground lamb skewers seasoned with cumin and coriander, grilled to perfection and served with cooling yogurt tzatziki sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground lamb, ground cumin, ground coriander 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb with 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 small finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the lamb mixture into 8 evenly sized long kebabs and thread onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush kebabs with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 medium grated cucumber (drained of excess water), 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Season with salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot lamb kebabs with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side for cooling contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Cumin-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 ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-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 Cumin-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 Cumin-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki?

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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