Dinner

Lamb Kebabs

Name: Lamb Kebabs With Our Sources
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp plain yogurt; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 red onion, cut into chunks (for skewering); 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks (for skewering); Wooden or metal skewers

Byyumrecipesnow September 14, 2025September 14, 2025

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Short description

Lamb kebabs are a time-honored dish found across Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian cuisines. Made from either cubed or ground lamb, these skewers are marinated in aromatic herbs and spices, then grilled to juicy, charred perfection. Their versatility makes them ideal for both casual meals and festive occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, savory flavor from rich cuts of lamb and traditional spices
Perfectly juicy and tender with proper marination
Ideal for grilling outdoors or on a stovetop grill pan
Easily customizable with vegetables and different spice blends
Pairs wonderfully with dips, rice, or flatbreads for a complete meal

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lamb (cubed from leg or shoulder, or ground lamb)
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Onion (grated or finely chopped)
Lemon juice
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Smoked paprika or Aleppo pepper
Dried oregano or mint (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Optional: chopped parsley or mint
Optional vegetables: red onions, bell peppers, zucchini

Directions

Prepare the lamb
Trim excess fat from lamb and cut into uniform 1½-inch cubes, or prepare ground lamb for kebabs.
Mix the marinade
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, onion, and spices. Whisk well.
Marinate the lamb
Add the lamb to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Skewer the meat
Thread lamb onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. If desired, alternate with chunks of vegetables.
Grill
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the kebabs for 8–10 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, until charred outside and cooked to desired doneness.
Rest and serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with flatbread, rice, salad, or dips.

Servings and timing

Servings	Prep Time	Marinate Time	Cook Time	Total Time
4	20 minutes	2–8 hours	10–12 minutes	2.5–9 hours

Variations

Turkish Adana Kebab: Use ground lamb, seasoned with paprika, chili flakes, and sumac, shaped onto wide skewers.
Greek Souvlaki: Features lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and olive oil; best served with tzatziki and pita.
Indian Seekh Kebab: Ground lamb with ginger, garlic, garam masala, and green chilies; cooked on skewers or in the oven.
Moroccan Style: Includes cinnamon, cumin, and coriander; often served with couscous.
Vegetable Add-ins: Add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or red onions between meat cubes for added flavor and color.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store cooked kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent toughness.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of lamb for kebabs?

Lamb shoulder and leg are ideal for cubed kebabs due to their balance of fat and tenderness. For ground lamb kebabs, use a mix with some fat for juicier results.

Can I make lamb kebabs without a grill?

Yes. Use a stovetop grill pan, broiler, or bake in the oven. Broiling on high for 8–10 minutes can mimic the grill’s char.

How long should lamb be marinated?

At least 2 hours is recommended. For more flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze lamb kebabs?

Yes. Freeze uncooked, marinated lamb on skewers, or cooked kebabs in a sealed container. Defrost in the fridge before cooking or reheating.

What is the internal temperature for cooked lamb?

Lamb is medium-rare at 135°F (57°C) and medium at 145°F (63°C). For ground lamb, cook to 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety.

What should I serve with lamb kebabs?

Pair with couscous, rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, tzatziki, flatbread, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Can I use store-bought spice blends?

Yes. Ras el hanout, baharat, or shawarma seasoning work well. Adjust salt levels accordingly.

How do I keep kebabs from sticking to the grill?

Ensure the grill is hot and oiled. Brush the kebabs lightly with oil before placing them on the grill.

Can lamb kebabs be made in advance?

Yes. Marinate and skewer them ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Are lamb kebabs healthy?

Lamb provides protein, iron, and B vitamins. Using lean cuts and pairing with vegetables makes this a nutritious meal.

Conclusion

Lamb kebabs are a classic, versatile dish that showcases bold, aromatic flavors and juicy grilled meat. Whether you choose a regional variation or create your own twist, this dish is always satisfying and easy to prepare with a bit of advance planning. Serve with simple sides for a complete, memorable meal that’s fit for any occasion.

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