Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Kebabs
Tender lamb chunks marinated in a vibrant citrus and herb mixture, grilled to juicy perfection on skewers. 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 400 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
- 1.5 pounds lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds lamb leg cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread marinated lamb cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the kebabs for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes until lamb is cooked to medium doneness with a nice char.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving with fresh herbs or flatbread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Kebabs 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Kebabs?
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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Kebabs?
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 Citrus-Marinated Lamb Kebabs 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Kebabs?
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.