Juicy Grilled Lamb Skewers (Shish Kebabs) Recipe

Looking for an easy lamb skewers recipe that’s juicy, tender, and flavorful? These grilled lamb skewers are perfect for your next BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner with a simple marinade and minimal effort.

Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make! These grilled lamb skewers (also called lamb kabobs or shish kebabs) are perfect for BBQs, family dinners, or weekend meals. They are made with a simple homemade marinade and grilled to perfection. You can cook them on a charcoal grill, in the oven, or even in an air fryer!

These BBQ lamb skewers are one of my all-time favorite recipes. They are simple to make, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. The lamb turns out juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned every time.

You can marinate the lamb a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just grill and enjoy! I love adding onion and bell pepper cubes to the skewers to make them look colorful and taste even better.

Serve these lamb kebabs with a fresh salad, warm flatbread, or fragrant saffron rice. Add your favorite sauce, and you have a complete and healthy meal.

These lamb skewers, also known as lamb kabobs or lamb shish kebabs, are way better than takeaway and much healthier too. I first tried this style of lamb kebabs at a restaurant in Munich and loved them so much that I recreated the recipe at home. After many tries, I perfected it, and now it’s my go-to dish.

This recipe gives you maximum flavor with minimal effort. You can grill the lamb outdoors on a charcoal BBQ or cook it indoors using an oven, air fryer, grill pan, or nonstick pan. No matter how you cook them, these homemade lamb kebabs always turn out irresistible.

With the right lamb cut, a simple marinade, and a few fresh sides, these grilled lamb skewers will be the highlight of any gathering.

About Lamb Skewers (Shish Kebabs)

Lamb skewers, also known as shish kebabs or şiş kebabs, come from the Middle East and are now enjoyed all over the world. They are one of the most popular types of kebabs and are loved for their rich flavor and simplicity.

This dish is made by marinating small cubes of lamb in a flavorful mix of spices, herbs, and lemon juice. The marinade softens the meat and adds deep flavor. After marinating, the lamb is placed on skewers and grilled, usually over charcoal, for that perfect smoky taste.

The result is tender and juicy grilled lamb with a beautiful char on the outside. You can serve lamb skewers as an appetizer, a snack, or a main dish.

Pair them with fresh salad, saffron rice, or warm flatbread, and add your favorite sauce to complete the meal. Whether for a family dinner or a summer BBQ, this dish is always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick prep and big flavor
• Tender and juicy lamb every time
• Great for meal prep and parties
• Healthier than takeout lamb kebabs

Ingredients

The secret to tender, flavorful lamb skewers is a good marinade. It adds a rich taste and helps soften the meat so it stays juicy and delicious when grilled.

• Lamb: Use boneless lamb leg or shoulder. These cuts cook quickly, stay juicy, and give a nice golden crust on the outside.
• Onions: Blend into a paste. Onion juice is key for tenderizing the lamb and adding depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Mince or crush into a paste. Fresh garlic gives a strong, rich flavor to the marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy taste and helps break down the meat fibers for softer and tender lamb.
• Olive Oil: Keeps the meat moist during cooking and helps lock in flavor.
• Spices: Use black pepper powder, paprika, and salt. Adjust to taste.
• Optional: Add onion cubes and bell pepper cubes for threading between the lamb pieces. They add color, texture, and extra taste.

Substitutes and Variations

Want to change up the flavor or use ingredients you already have? Here are some simple swaps and tasty add-ins:

• No fresh garlic? Use garlic powder instead.
• For extra heat, swap paprika with chili powder or cayenne pepper.
• Fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, dill, tarragon, or marjoram work well in the marinade.
• Add zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, tomatoes, or any veggie you love to the skewers.
• Mix in chopped parsley or cilantro to the marinade to brighten the flavor.
• Stir in a spoon of red pepper paste into your marinade for bold color and taste.

How to Make Lamb Skewers (Step by Step)

Step 1: Make the marinade

In a blender or food processor, combine onions, garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Blend into a smooth paste.

Step 2: Marinate the lamb

Place lamb cubes in a bowl. Pour the marinade over the meat. Add olive oil and mix well. Cover and marinate for 5 to 6 hours or overnight in the fridge.

Step 3: Prepare the skewers

Thread the marinated lamb onto skewers. Add pieces of onion and bell pepper between the meat for extra flavor and color.

Step 4: Grill the skewers

Heat your charcoal grill. Grill the lamb skewers for 8 to 9 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred.

Expert Tips for Juicy and Tender Lamb Skewers

Follow these tips to make your lamb shish kebabs soft, juicy, and full of flavor:

• Use good-quality lamb with some fat for the juiciest and most flavorful skewers.
• For more flavor, thread small pieces of lamb fat (like tail fat) between the meat cubes.
• Cut lamb into equal-sized (about 1 inch) pieces so they cook evenly.
• A good marinade is key. Let the lamb soak for at least 5 to 6 hours or up to 24 hours.
• Onion paste is the key ingredient. It helps tenderize the lamb and adds rich flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave gaps so the meat cooks evenly.
• Take the skewers out of the fridge 30 minutes before grilling for better cooking.
• Use high heat on a charcoal grill for a smoky flavor and crispy outside.
• The lamb gets tough if grilled too long. Cook just until done and still juicy.
• Avoid overcooking the lamb or it can dry out and become tough.

What to Serve with Lamb Skewers

Lamb skewers are delicious on their own, but even better with the right sides. Sides like fresh salad, flatbread or saffron rice, and yogurt sauce make your grilled lamb skewers a complete, healthy dinner perfect for family meals or summer BBQs.

Best Skewers for Lamb Kebabs

• Use stainless steel skewers, especially blade-shaped ones. They keep the meat from spinning while grilling.
• If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning. For added flavor, soak them in lemon juice or vinegar instead of plain water.

How to Cook Lamb Skewers Without a Grill

While charcoal grilling gives the best smoky flavor, you can still enjoy tender and juicy lamb skewers using other cooking methods. Choose what works best for you:

• Oven-Baked Lamb Skewers: Place skewers on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the lamb is done to your liking.
• Air Fryer Lamb Skewers: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Air fry the skewers for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once. Adjust the time as needed based on your air fryer model.
• Grill Pan Method: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Cook the marinated lamb skewers until they are nicely charred and cooked through. Turn occasionally for even cooking.
• Nonstick Pan Option: No oven, air fryer, or grill pan? No problem. Use a nonstick pan to cook the skewers. Cook on medium heat, turning often, until the meat is fully cooked and slightly crisp.

Recipe Notes

• Let the grilled lamb rest for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices settle back into the meat, making it more tender and juicy.
• You can easily double or triple this recipe to serve a larger crowd.
• Don’t overcook the lamb. For well-done skewers, the meat should feel slightly springy when pressed. If it’s too firm, it’s likely overdone. Cook just until it’s browned on the outside and juicy inside, especially if you prefer it well done.

FAQs

More Easy and Flavorful Lamb Recipes

• Shinwari Mutton Karahi
• Whole Mutton Leg Roast
• Tandoori Lamb Chops

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