Grilled Citrus-Mint Lamb Skewers
Tender lamb marinated in bright citrus juice and fresh mint, grilled to juicy perfection on skewers for a flavorful Mediterranean dish. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh mint leaves, chopped, lemon juice, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 pound lamb leg, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound of 1-inch lamb leg cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours, to infuse flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto 8 skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the lamb is browned with a slight char and cooked to medium-rare or your preferred doneness.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and rest the skewers for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with extra fresh mint if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Mint Lamb Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Grilled Citrus-Mint 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 fresh mint leaves, chopped from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Mint 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 Grilled Citrus-Mint 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 Grilled Citrus-Mint Lamb Skewers?
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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