Grilled Middle Eastern Lamb Skewers with Cumin Yogurt
Tender lamb skewers marinated with warm spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a cooling cumin-infused yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (cut into 1-inch pieces) lamb leg, cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin for sauce
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb cubed lamb leg and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 tsp ground cumin and 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and cooked to desired doneness.
- Step 4: Remove lamb skewers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with the cumin yogurt sauce on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Middle Eastern Lamb Skewers with Cumin Yogurt 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 Middle Eastern Lamb Skewers with Cumin 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Middle Eastern Lamb Skewers with Cumin 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 Middle Eastern Lamb Skewers with Cumin 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 Middle Eastern Lamb Skewers with Cumin Yogurt?
Middle Eastern 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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