Smoked Pecan-Infused Lamb Shish Kebabs with Za'atar Yogurt

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb cubes marinated in lemon, garlic, and sumac, grilled over pecan wood chips for a smoky depth, served with a vibrant za'atar yogurt sauce and charred vegetables. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 250 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, plain yogurt, lemon 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.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 240 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from lamb shoulder and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a bowl and add 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 minced lemon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp sumac, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix thoroughly, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
  2. Step 2: Soak 1/4 cup smoked pecan wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Preheat gas grill to medium-high (375°F). Thread lamb cubes, halved red bell pepper strips, and quartered red onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
  3. Step 3: Place skewers on preheated grill, close lid, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until lamb reaches 145°F internal temperature and vegetables are charred at edges.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp za'atar spice blend, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp lemon juice until smooth. Serve warm kebabs with the sauce drizzled over top and extra parsley for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Pecan-Infused Lamb Shish Kebabs with Za'atar Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 250 minutes (240 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 Smoked Pecan-Infused Lamb Shish Kebabs with Za'atar 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 lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Pecan-Infused Lamb Shish Kebabs with Za'atar 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 Smoked Pecan-Infused Lamb Shish Kebabs with Za'atar 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 Smoked Pecan-Infused Lamb Shish Kebabs with Za'atar Yogurt?

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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