Smoky Harissa Lamb Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender lamb skewers marinated in smoky harissa spices paired with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce for a balanced and flavorful dish. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes, harissa paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs cubed lamb leg and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  3. Step 3: Grill the lamb skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until the lamb is cooked through and slightly charred on edges.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves and a pinch of salt in a small bowl for the garlic yogurt sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve the lamb skewers hot with a dollop of garlic yogurt sauce alongside.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Harissa Lamb Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Smoky Harissa Lamb Skewers with Garlic 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 harissa paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Harissa Lamb Skewers with Garlic 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 Smoky Harissa Lamb Skewers with Garlic 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 Smoky Harissa Lamb Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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