Halved Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Dipping Sauce

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

Juicy lamb skewers marinated in warm spices and grilled, served with a cooling yogurt sauce perfect for dipping each flavorful half-skewer. This Mediterranean-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb lamb leg cubes with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread lamb cubes onto each skewer, using about 5-6 pieces per skewer.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until lamb is nicely charred on edges and cooked to medium rare or desired doneness.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves and 1 tsp fresh lemon zest in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve lamb skewers halved lengthwise with yogurt mint sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Halved Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Halved Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Dipping Sauce?

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 cumin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Halved Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Dipping 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 Halved Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Dipping 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.

What goes well with Halved Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Dipping Sauce?

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.

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