Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy lamb skewers marinated in fragrant tandoori spices and served with a cooling yogurt-cucumber sauce for a balanced flavor experience. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes blends pound lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes, plain Greek yogurt, tablespoons tandoori masala powder 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 380 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: 12 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons tandoori masala powder, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound 1-inch cubed lamb leg to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until lamb is cooked to desired doneness and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare yogurt sauce by mixing 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves, and 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Serve lamb skewers hot with a generous dollop of the cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce alongside.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with 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 Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with 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 Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with 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 Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with 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 Tandoori-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Sauce?

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.

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