7 Steps to Make Restaurant-Quality Grilled Lamb Skewers at Home

Grilled lamb skewers are a delicious and popular dish, perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner. These skewers offer a delightful combination of tender, marinated lamb, grilled to perfection, and bursting with flavor. Originating from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, lamb skewers, also known as souvlaki or shish kebab, have become a global favorite. The key to exceptional lamb skewers lies in the marinade, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with aromatic spices. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to create juicy and flavorful grilled lamb skewers with just a few simple steps. Let’s get grilling!

Quick Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 350 (per serving)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1. 5 lbs lamb leg or shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Skewers (metal or wooden, if using wooden soak in water for 30 minutes before)
• Grill or grill pan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. **Marinate the Lamb:** Add the lamb cubes to the marinade. Ensure that all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
3. **Prepare the Vegetables:** While the lamb is marinating, cut the bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch pieces.
4. **Thread the Skewers:** Thread the marinated lamb onto the skewers, alternating with the bell pepper and red onion pieces.
5. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F or 190-230°C). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
6. **Grill the Skewers:** Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the lamb should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
7. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful lamb.

Pro Tips for Success

• **Don’t overcook the lamb:** Overcooked lamb can become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired internal temperature.
• **Soak wooden skewers:** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• **Marinate for longer:** For maximum flavor and tenderness, marinate the lamb overnight.
• **Ingredient substitution:** You can substitute the vegetables with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
• **Make-ahead:** The lamb can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Serve and Present

Serve the grilled lamb skewers hot off the grill. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. These skewers pair well with a variety of sides, such as:

• Greek salad
• Pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce
• Rice pilaf
• Roasted vegetables

For an elegant presentation, arrange the skewers on a platter with the accompanying sides and sauces.

Variations to Try

1. **Spicy Lamb Skewers:** Add 1-2 finely chopped chili peppers to the marinade for an extra kick.
2. **Mediterranean Lamb Skewers:** Incorporate Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and olives onto the skewers, and add a sprinkle of feta cheese after grilling.
3. **Lemon-Herb Lamb Skewers:** Use a marinade with more lemon juice, fresh rosemary, and thyme for a bright and herbaceous flavor.

FAQ Section

**Q: Can I use a different cut of lamb?**
A: Yes, you can use lamb loin or lamb sirloin as alternatives. Just be sure to cut them into 1-inch cubes.

**Q: How do I prevent the lamb from sticking to the grill?**
A: Make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers on it. You can also lightly brush the skewers with oil before grilling.

**Q: Can I grill the skewers indoors?**
A: Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop to cook the skewers indoors. Ensure your pan is hot before adding the skewers.

**Q: What is the best way to store leftover lamb skewers?**
A: Store leftover lamb skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

**Q: Can I freeze the marinated lamb?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated lamb for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before threading onto skewers and grilling.

Conclusion

Creating restaurant-quality grilled lamb skewers at home is easier than you think. With a flavorful marinade, fresh ingredients, and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and impress your family and friends with these juicy and tender lamb skewers. Share your results in the comments! You might also enjoy our Grilled Chicken Skewers or Beef Kabob recipes. Happy grilling!