Pan-Seared Lamb Kebabs with Syrian Spice Blend

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb kebabs infused with traditional Syrian spices, pan-seared to a perfect caramelized crust and served with a refreshing yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground lamb, small, finely grated onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 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 ground lamb, 1 small finely grated onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly using hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Step 2: Form the seasoned lamb mixture into 8 equal oblong kebabs, approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch thick.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kebabs and pan-sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully until a deep golden brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  4. Step 4: While the kebabs cook, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp finely chopped mint leaves in a small bowl to create a cooling sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove kebabs from the skillet and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve warm with the mint yogurt sauce drizzled over or on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Lamb Kebabs with Syrian Spice Blend take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Pan-Seared Lamb Kebabs with Syrian Spice Blend?

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 Pan-Seared Lamb Kebabs with Syrian Spice Blend?

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 Pan-Seared Lamb Kebabs with Syrian Spice Blend 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 Pan-Seared Lamb Kebabs with Syrian Spice Blend?

Middle Eastern 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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