Grilled Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Dip is a flavorful and elegant dish that brings the aromas of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine to your table. Tender pieces of marinated lamb are threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection, creating a smoky, juicy, and savory main course.

The accompanying mint yogurt dip adds a refreshing, creamy contrast that balances the richness of the lamb and enhances its natural flavor. Perfect for summer barbecues, dinner parties, or a special family meal, this dish is both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying, offering a blend of bold, aromatic, and fresh flavors in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the robust, savory taste of lamb with a bright and cooling mint yogurt dip. The marinade infuses the meat with herbs and spices, making each bite tender and flavorful, while grilling adds a smoky char that elevates the dish.

The simplicity of skewering and grilling makes it approachable, and the mint yogurt dip adds a fresh twist that keeps the flavors balanced. It’s a dish that feels both sophisticated and comforting, perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a special weeknight meal.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen with minimal fuss. Grilled lamb skewers are not only delicious but also versatile, appealing to a wide range of palates. The pairing with mint yogurt dip enhances the overall flavor profile and makes it a complete, well-rounded meal. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread, this dish is sure to impress family and guests alike.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 1–2 hours
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1.5–2.5 hours including marinating
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 320 calories per serving
Course: Main Course or Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern

Ingredients

For the Grilled Lamb Skewers

• 1 lb (450 g) lamb leg or shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers

For the Mint Yogurt Dip

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2. Add lamb cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
3. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using wooden skewers.
4. Thread marinated lamb cubes onto skewers evenly.
5. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
6. Grill skewers for 4–6 minutes per side or until lamb reaches desired doneness.
7. While lamb is grilling, combine Greek yogurt, mint, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to prepare the dip.
8. Serve grilled lamb skewers hot with mint yogurt dip on the side.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Coat lamb cubes in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
Step 3: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Step 4: Thread lamb onto skewers evenly.
Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Step 6: Grill lamb skewers for 4–6 minutes per side until cooked to desired doneness.
Step 7: While lamb cooks, mix Greek yogurt, mint, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make dip.
Step 8: Serve skewers immediately with the mint yogurt dip.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve grilled lamb skewers hot with mint yogurt dip on the side. They pair beautifully with rice pilaf, couscous, roasted vegetables, pita bread, or a fresh salad. This dish works well as an appetizer for a larger meal or as a main course for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Recipe Tips

Use fresh herbs in the marinade for maximum flavor.
Do not overcrowd the grill to ensure even cooking and nice char.
Let the lamb rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain juices.
Cut lamb into uniform cubes for even cooking.

Variations

Add bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to skewers for extra color and flavor.
Use a yogurt and spice marinade for an even more tender and flavorful lamb.
Swap lamb for beef, chicken, or shrimp for different proteins.
Incorporate garlic or chili into the mint yogurt dip for a subtle kick.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftover grilled lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The yogurt dip can also be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Do not freeze yogurt dip; lamb cubes can be frozen uncooked in marinade for up to 2 months and grilled fresh when ready.

Special Equipment Needed

Grill or grill pan
Mixing bowls
Wooden or metal skewers
Tongs for turning skewers
Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I marinate lamb overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight enhances flavor but do not exceed 24 hours to prevent overly soft meat.

Can I cook these skewers in the oven?
Yes, broil lamb skewers on high for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway.

Can I use dried mint instead of fresh for the dip?
Fresh mint is preferred for flavor, but 1 teaspoon dried mint can be used if needed.

How do I know when the lamb is cooked perfectly?
Use a meat thermometer: medium-rare 135°F, medium 145°F, medium-well 150°F.

Conclusion

Grilled Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt Dip is a delicious, aromatic, and visually appealing dish that combines smoky, tender lamb with a refreshing, creamy dip. Perfect for entertaining, family dinners, or a special meal, it brings together bold Mediterranean flavors and simple preparation techniques. This recipe is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and a guaranteed way to impress with minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.