Spiced Lamb Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Yogurt Drizzle

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

Juicy lamb chunks marinated in shawarma spices, grilled on skewers and served with a cooling tahini yogurt sauce. This middle eastern ready in about 27 minutes pairs olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp salt to form a marinade. Add 1.5 lbs 1-inch cubed boneless lamb leg and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated lamb cubes onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Grill lamb skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until lamb is cooked to desired doneness and has charred edges.
  4. Step 4: While lamb cooks, prepare tahini yogurt drizzle by whisking together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp tahini paste, and 2 tbsp water until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Remove lamb skewers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve drizzled with tahini yogurt sauce and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lamb Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Yogurt Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Spiced Lamb Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Yogurt Drizzle?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lamb Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Yogurt Drizzle?

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 Spiced Lamb Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Yogurt Drizzle 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 Spiced Lamb Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Yogurt Drizzle?

Middle Eastern middle eastern 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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