Grilled Lamb Sheekh Kebabs with Northern Indian Spices

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

Juicy ground lamb skewers seasoned with aromatic North Indian spices and grilled to perfection over medium-high heat. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground lamb, small (80 g) onion, finely grated, garlic paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g ground lamb, 1 small finely grated onion, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp ginger paste, and 1 small finely chopped green chili. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tsp salt. Knead the mixture well for 5 minutes until it becomes sticky and holds together.
  3. Step 3: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions. Shape each portion around a soaked wooden skewer, forming long cylindrical kebabs approximately 1-inch thick.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the kebabs with 2 tbsp oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Grill the kebabs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully until evenly browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  6. Step 6: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with mint chutney or naan bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lamb Sheekh Kebabs with Northern Indian Spices take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Lamb Sheekh Kebabs with Northern Indian Spices?

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 ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lamb Sheekh Kebabs with Northern Indian Spices?

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 Lamb Sheekh Kebabs with Northern Indian Spices 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 Lamb Sheekh Kebabs with Northern Indian Spices?

Indian 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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