Slow-Roasted Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Tender lamb skewers marinated in Mediterranean herbs and spices, served with a cool, refreshing cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 95 minutes blends tablespoons olive oil, tablespoons lemon juice, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1.5 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced (for tzatziki)
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds lamb shoulder cubes with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to coat and marinate covered in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Thread the marinated lamb cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, place on a roasting pan, and slow-roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the lamb is tender but still juicy.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup grated and well-drained cucumber, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1 minced garlic clove. Stir until combined and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4: After roasting, finish the lamb souvlaki by placing the skewers under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, turning once, to get slight charred edges.
- Step 5: Serve the warm lamb souvlaki with chilled tzatziki sauce alongside warm pita bread or a Greek salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (15 min prep + 80 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki 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 Slow-Roasted Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki 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 Slow-Roasted Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?
Greek 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.