Spiced Syrian Lamb Kofta Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Juicy lamb kofta seasoned with warming spices, grilled on skewers and served alongside a cool garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes blends ground lamb, small onion, finely grated, fresh parsley, chopped 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 6, 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 lb ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 small finely grated onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; mix gently but thoroughly with your hands until spices are evenly distributed.
- Step 2: Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each around a soaked wooden skewer into elongated sausage shapes about 5 inches long.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with 1 tbsp olive oil; grill the kofta skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil; stir well to make a creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
- Step 5: Serve the hot lamb kofta skewers with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Syrian Lamb Kofta Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spiced Syrian Lamb Kofta Skewers with Garlic 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 Spiced Syrian Lamb Kofta 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 Spiced Syrian Lamb Kofta Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Syrian Lamb Kofta Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?
Middle Eastern 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.
