Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt
Juicy lamb skewers marinated in a zesty citrus blend, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling mint yogurt sauce. 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 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
- 1.5 pounds lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds of 1-inch lamb leg cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1/2 cup grated and drained cucumber in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated lamb cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill lamb skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning to achieve even browning and reaching desired doneness (medium rare to medium). Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve lamb skewers hot with the chilled mint yogurt sauce for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt 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 Skewers with Mint Yogurt?
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 Skewers with Mint Yogurt?
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 Skewers with Mint Yogurt 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 Skewers with Mint Yogurt?
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.
