Lamb and Mint Kebabs with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy lamb cubes marinated in mint and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs Lamb shoulder, Fresh mint, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb lamb shoulder into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, combine lamb with 1/4 cup chopped mint, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thread marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, alternating with cherry tomatoes if desired.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush skewers with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lamb is cooked to medium-rare.
  5. Step 5: While kebabs cook, prepare sauce: grate 1 peeled medium cucumber, mix with 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled lamb kebabs hot with cucumber yogurt sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lamb and Mint Kebabs with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 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 Lamb and Mint Kebabs with Cucumber Yogurt 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 lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lamb and Mint Kebabs with Cucumber 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 Lamb and Mint Kebabs with Cucumber 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.

What goes well with Lamb and Mint Kebabs with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce?

Middle Eastern grilling 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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