Damascus Street-Smoked Lamb Skewers
Grilled lamb marinated in pomegranate molasses and za'atar, served with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 135 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, pomegranate molasses, za'atar spice blend 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb shoulder
- 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 2 tsp za'atar spice blend
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim excess fat from lamb shoulder and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a bowl and add 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tsp za'atar. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Step 2: Thread lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving space between pieces. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until lightly smoking. Place skewers on grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until browned and juices run clear.
- Step 3: While skewers cook, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Finely chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley and mix with toasted pine nuts.
- Step 4: Transfer cooked lamb skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle with parsley-pine nut mixture and serve immediately with additional pomegranate molasses drizzled over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Damascus Street-Smoked Lamb Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (120 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 Damascus Street-Smoked 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 lamb shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Damascus Street-Smoked 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 Damascus Street-Smoked 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 Damascus Street-Smoked Lamb Skewers?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
