Wood-Fired Mediterranean Lamb Skewers with Tzatziki
Juicy marinated lamb skewers grilled over high heat paired with a cooling cucumber yogurt tzatziki for a fresh Mediterranean experience. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes pairs lamb leg, trimmed and cubed, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 lb lamb leg, trimmed and cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb cubed lamb leg and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: While the lamb marinates, prepare tzatziki by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated and well-drained cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Chill until serving.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat. Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the lamb skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred on the edges and medium-rare to medium inside. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Serve the lamb skewers hot with a side of chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wood-Fired Mediterranean Lamb Skewers with Tzatziki 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 Wood-Fired Mediterranean Lamb Skewers with Tzatziki?
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 lamb leg, trimmed and cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Mediterranean Lamb Skewers with Tzatziki?
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 Wood-Fired Mediterranean Lamb Skewers with Tzatziki 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 Wood-Fired Mediterranean Lamb Skewers with Tzatziki?
Mediterranean 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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