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Savory Mediterranean Lamb Kebabs Recipe with Easy Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

Mediterranean lamb kebabs - featured image

Tender, juicy lamb kebabs infused with smoky herbs and spices, served with a cool, tangy creamy tzatziki sauce for a perfect Mediterranean meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground lamb
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) Greek yogurt – full-fat recommended
  • 1/2 cucumber, peeled and finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for tzatziki)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tzatziki)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for tzatziki)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground lamb with minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt, chopped fresh mint, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. With damp hands, mold each portion around a skewer, about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes if possible.
  3. Grate half a cucumber finely and squeeze out excess liquid using paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Brush grill pan with oil if using.
  5. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning to brown all sides evenly. Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare or longer for desired doneness.
  6. Remove kebabs from grill and let rest covered loosely with foil for 5 minutes.
  7. Serve kebabs warm with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with extra mint leaves or smoked paprika. Optionally serve with warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, and a crisp salad.

Notes

If kebabs feel too soft and risk falling apart, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or an egg to the mixture. Keep grill temperature medium-high to avoid charring outside while undercooked inside. Squeeze cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki. For dairy-free tzatziki, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: lamb kebabs, Mediterranean, tzatziki sauce, grilled lamb, easy kebabs, smoky lamb, creamy sauce, healthy dinner