Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Cucumber Raita
Juicy lamb skewers marinated in aromatic tandoori spices, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling cucumber raita for balance. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes pairs pound lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes, plain yogurt, tablespoons tandoori masala spice mix for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala spice mix
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons tandoori masala spice mix, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound 1-inch cubed lamb leg to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
- Step 4: Grill the lamb skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until charred on the edges and cooked to medium doneness.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber raita by mixing 3/4 cup plain yogurt with 1/2 diced peeled cucumber, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl.
- Step 6: Serve the lamb skewers hot with a generous dollop of cucumber raita on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Cucumber Raita 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 Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Cucumber Raita?
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 plain yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Cucumber Raita?
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 Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Cucumber Raita 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 Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Cucumber Raita?
Indian 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.
Related recipes
Grilled Goan Lamb Chops with Tamarind Marinade
Goan Spiced Lamb Chops with Coconut Curry Sauce
Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Spices
Spicy Tandoori-Style Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt
Northern Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Tomato and Yogurt
Spiced Indian-Style Lamb Kofta with Tamarind Yogurt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
