Grilling Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki and Pita
Juicy lamb skewers seasoned with warm Mediterranean spices grilled to perfection and served with refreshing cucumber tzatziki and warm pita bread. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground lamb, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 ground lamb
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp minced fresh dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 pieces pita bread
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Step 2: Shape the lamb mixture into eight 4-inch long sausage-shaped kebabs and thread onto soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and brush the kebabs with 2 tbsp olive oil. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until evenly browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry), 1 tbsp minced fresh dill, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to make tzatziki. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 5: Warm 4 pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until soft and pliable.
- Step 6: Serve the grilled lamb kebabs with warm pita and a generous dollop of tzatziki on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilling Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki and Pita 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 Grilling Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki and Pita?
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 Grilling Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki and Pita?
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 Grilling Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki and Pita 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 Grilling Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki and Pita?
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.
