Lamb Kebabs with Cucumber Yogurt

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

Juicy lamb skewers marinated in warm spices, served with a cool, refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce for perfect balance. This palestinian-inspired mediterranean ready in about 42 minutes pairs ground lamb, plain yogurt, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 30 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Palestinian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 lb ground lamb, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Stir in 1 finely chopped red onion until combined.
  2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape around soaked wooden skewers, pressing firmly to form compact kebabs.
  3. Step 3: Grill the kebabs over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Meanwhile, mix 1 grated cucumber, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint for the sauce, seasoning with a pinch of salt.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 42 minutes (30 min prep + 12 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 Kebabs with Cucumber Yogurt?

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 Lamb Kebabs with Cucumber Yogurt?

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 Kebabs with Cucumber Yogurt 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 Kebabs with Cucumber Yogurt?

Palestinian mediterranean 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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