Grilled Spicy Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender lamb skewers marinated in smoky spices and grilled to perfection, served with a cooling mint yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired keto (keto, high protein) ready in about 25 minutes blends lamb leg, cubed, olive oil, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb cubed lamb leg, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the lamb evenly.
  2. Step 2: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate the lamb in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 400°F.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked to your preferred doneness.
  6. Step 6: While the lamb cooks, mix together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry) in a small bowl to make the mint yogurt sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve the hot lamb skewers alongside the refreshing mint yogurt sauce for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Spicy Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Spicy Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Spicy Lamb Skewers with Mint 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 Spicy Lamb Skewers with Mint 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.

Is Grilled Spicy Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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