Grilled Senegalese-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tamarind Glaze
Tender lamb cubes marinated in aromatic Senegalese spices, grilled to perfection and finished with a tangy tamarind glaze. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 or shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 8-10 wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb lamb cubes and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 2: Soak 8-10 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using wooden. Thread the marinated lamb cubes evenly onto the skewers.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the lamb is nicely charred on the outside and cooked to medium doneness.
- Step 4: While the lamb cooks, whisk together 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp water, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a small bowl to create a glaze.
- Step 5: Brush the tamarind glaze over the lamb skewers during the last 2 minutes of grilling to create a sticky, tangy coating. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with fresh salad or flatbread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Senegalese-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tamarind Glaze 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 Senegalese-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tamarind Glaze?
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 coriander from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Senegalese-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tamarind Glaze?
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 Senegalese-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tamarind Glaze 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 Senegalese-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Tamarind Glaze?
African 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.
