Grilled Harissa-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tzatziki
Tender lamb skewers marinated in smoky harissa and grilled to perfection, served alongside refreshing cucumber tzatziki sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 32 minutes pairs lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes, harissa paste, plus 1 tbsp divided olive oil 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 lb lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 tbsp plus 1 tbsp divided olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp divided salt
- 1/2 tsp divided black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium peeled and grated cucumber
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to form the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed lamb leg to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by squeezing excess water from 1/2 peeled grated cucumber. In a small bowl, mix cucumber with 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Chill until serving.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, brushing with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 5: Grill lamb skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until they develop a slight char and reach desired doneness (about 135°F for medium-rare).
- Step 6: Remove skewers and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve lamb skewers with chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Harissa-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tzatziki take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Skewers with Tzatziki?
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 Skewers with Tzatziki?
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 Skewers with Tzatziki 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 Skewers with Tzatziki?
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.
