Tikka-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Cucumber Raita

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

Tender lamb cubes marinated in aromatic tikka spices, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling cucumber raita for a balanced flavorful meal. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs lamb leg, cut into 1-inch cubes, plain yogurt, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs lamb leg cubes to the marinade, mixing well to coat all pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber raita by mixing 1 cup plain yogurt with 1 medium finely diced cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  5. Step 5: Grill the lamb skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until nicely charred on the outside and cooked to desired doneness.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot lamb skewers with chilled cucumber raita alongside.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tikka-Spiced Lamb Skewers with Cucumber Raita take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Tikka-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 Tikka-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 Tikka-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 Tikka-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.

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