Lamb kebab
Instructions
Kebabs
White cheese dip
To serve
Toast the spices
To bring out the deep flavours in your kebabs, toast the cumin and coriander before adding them to the minced lamb. Toasting these spices unlocks their natural oils, intensifying their aroma and giving each bite a more pronounced flavour. The toasted spices meld beautifully with the lamb, highlighting the Middle Eastern inspiration behind the dish.
Soak skewers to prevent burning
Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 1 hour before using them helps prevent burning when cooking your kebabs. By ensuring the skewers are well-soaked, you protect them from charring, especially when grilling or frying at high temperatures. If you are simply grilling them on a pan, you might not have to soak them, but you should still keep an eye on them to make sure they avoid charring.
Monitor grilling time
Grilling lamb kebabs requires careful attention to time and heat. Cook them over high heat, turning them regularly to ensure even cooking without burning. For medium-rare kebabs, aim for 7–9 minutes, depending on their thickness. Keep an eye on the lamb as it cooks and adjust the grilling time slightly if needed.
FAQ: Questions about lamb kebab
Making your own lamb kebabs is very easy, perhaps easier than you might think. Read our questions and answers below to learn more about succeeding with this Middle Eastern recipe.
Ingredients
Kebabs
|
Minced lamb
|
500 g |
|---|---|
|
Ground cumin
|
1½ tsp |
|
Dried ground coriander
|
1 tsp |
|
Sambal oelek
|
2 tsp |
|
Fresh mint, finely chopped
|
2 tbsp |
|
Pepper
|
2 tbsp |
|
Salt
|
1 tbsp |
|
Butter
|
1 tbsp |
White cheese dip
| 200 g | |
|
Greek yoghurt (or sour cream)
|
200 ml |
|
Salt and pepper
|
To serve
|
Pitta bread
|
4 |
|---|---|
|
Romaine lettuce
|
1 |
|
Mint, chopped
|
50 ml |
Quick and easy lamb kebab
Lamb kebabs are an amazing way to enjoy bold, vibrant flavours without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe brings together a delicious, flavour-packed meal with just a few simple steps. Even the incredible lamb cooks quickly!
So, whether you are preparing a fast meal for the family or treating yourself to something special, this recipe brings a little bit of Middle Eastern flair to your kitchen – no fuss, just fantastic flavours.
Succulent meat butter-fried in warm spices and fresh herbs
The beauty of these succulent kebabs comes from frying them in butter. They crisp up nicely on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside. Meanwhile, the spices work together to bring out the best in the meat.
The earthy notes of cumin and coriander add a warming depth to the lamb, while the sambal oelek provides just the right amount of tingling heat without ever overpowering. Fresh mint brings in a brightness that keeps everything light and fresh.
With creamy white cheese and Greek yoghurt dip
The best lamb kebab recipe has an excellent dip to go with it; this white cheese and thick yoghurt combination is just the thing. The crumbly texture of the cheese mixes with the smoothness of the yoghurt, creating a rich and refreshing dip. Its tangy, slightly salty edge cuts through the spices in the lamb, making for a well-rounded and satisfying pairing.
The dip also brings a welcome creamy element that helps balance the bold flavours of the kebabs. Whether you spoon it over the kebabs or use it as a dip for a warm pitta, this addition offers a cool, tangy contrast to the richness of the lamb.
Serve on fluffy pitta bread and crisp lettuce
Serving the kebabs with fluffy pitta bread and crisp Romaine lettuce is a must. The pitta’s soft, warm texture makes it the ideal wrap for the spiced lamb, adding a gentle bite that contrasts with the rich flavours of the kebabs. Toast it slightly for that extra warmth and crunch, and enjoy it either with a filling of kebab and salad or on the side, breaking it into pieces and dipping it in the dip.
The mild-flavoured Romaine lettuce allows the kebabs to take centre stage while still providing a refreshing crunch. Each bite is a lovely mix of textures – soft bread, tender lamb, and crisp lettuce – making everything feel both hearty and light at the same time.
Enjoy a traditional Middle Eastern meal with the family
There is something special about sharing kebabs with family or friends. They bring people together around the table, while sharing plates of juicy lamb, bowls of white cheese dip, and heaps of soft pitta.
It is a meal that invites everyone to dig in and share the warming, indulgent Middle Eastern flavours. Serve it for lunch or dinner, either on its own with the side dishes or on a buffet table of other meats, bread, salads, and dips.
Try some other Middle Eastern recipes like creamy avocado hummus, roast pumpkin with white cheese and pomegranate, couscous tabbouleh, easy chicken shawarma, shakshuka with white cheese, delicious ras el hanout lamb, or quick lamb wraps.
Take the recipe in new directions
If you are in the mood for something a bit different, try adding garlic and rosemary to the lamb mixture for a Mediterranean feel. Or, for a smoky edge, sprinkle in some paprika or sumac before shaping the kebabs. You can also try spices like baharat or harissa paste for a spicier kick or add fresh herbs like fresh parsley or coriander for a touch of freshness.
For an even deeper flavour, consider marinating the lamb beforehand. A yoghurt-based marinade works beautifully here. Mix yoghurt with garlic, cumin, coriander, lemon juice, and a pinch of chilli powder. The yoghurt’s acidity helps tenderise the lamb, making it extra soft and juicy while adding a subtle tang that balances the spices. Let the meat marinate for a few hours or overnight for the best results.
