Grilled Arabic Lamb Kofta with Tahini Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy grilled lamb kofta seasoned with Middle Eastern spices and served with a cooling tahini yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 32 minutes blends ground lamb, small, finely grated onion, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 12 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 6 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 finely grated small onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Divide lamb mixture into 6 equal portions. With wet hands, shape each portion around a skewer into a long, thin oval shape about 5 inches long.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the kofta skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the tahini yogurt sauce by whisking together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp tahini paste, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot lamb kofta skewers drizzled with tahini yogurt sauce alongside a fresh salad or flatbread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Arabic Lamb Kofta with Tahini Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Arabic Lamb Kofta with Tahini Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Arabic Lamb Kofta with Tahini Yogurt Sauce?

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 Grilled Arabic Lamb Kofta with Tahini Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Grilled Arabic Lamb Kofta with Tahini Yogurt Sauce?

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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