Grilled Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Herb Yogurt
Juicy lamb cubes marinated in smoky harissa and grilled to perfection, served with a cooling herb yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 25 minutes pairs lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes, harissa paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 lbs lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs lamb leg cubes, 2 tbsp harissa paste, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat the lamb and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the lamb cubes onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred on the outside and cooked to desired doneness.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl. Serve the grilled lamb kebabs hot with a generous dollop of the herb yogurt sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Herb Yogurt 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Herb 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 harissa paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Herb 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Herb 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Herb 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.
