Grilled Harissa-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb skewers marinated in smoky harissa, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling tangy yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 30 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 400 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons harissa paste, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound cubed lamb leg to the marinade, tossing until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated lamb cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until lamb is charred on edges and cooked to desired doneness.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint in a small bowl. Serve the hot lamb skewers with the mint yogurt sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Harissa-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Sauce 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Sauce?

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 Yogurt Sauce?

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 Yogurt Sauce 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 Yogurt Sauce?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes