Smoky Lamb Shish Kebab with Spiced Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender lamb shish kebabs marinated with smoky spices and served with a cooling spiced yogurt sauce, perfect for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes blends boneless lamb shoulder, smoked paprika, ground cumin 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 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss lamb cubes in the marinade until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: While lamb marinates, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1/4 cup finely diced cucumber. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated lamb cubes onto skewers. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
  4. Step 4: Serve the smoky lamb shish kebabs hot with the spiced yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Lamb Shish Kebab with Spiced Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smoky Lamb Shish Kebab with Spiced Yogurt 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 Smoky Lamb Shish Kebab with Spiced 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 Lamb Shish Kebab with Spiced 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 Lamb Shish Kebab with Spiced 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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