Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with this irresistible Lamb Shish Kebab recipe that promises to turn your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned lamb cubes, charred to smoky perfection and bursting with aromatic spices, that will make your guests think you've secretly trained with a master chef. Whether you're a grilling enthusiast or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe is your ticket to creating restaurant-quality kebabs that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Prepare the lamb by cutting it into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent size.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade. Mix thoroughly.
- Add lamb cubes to the marinade, coating each piece completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning during cooking.
- Chop bell peppers and onions into similar-sized pieces that match the lamb cubes for consistent grilling.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled.
- Thread marinated lamb alternately with bell pepper and onion pieces onto skewers, leaving small spaces between items for even heat circulation.
- Grill kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to achieve nice char marks and cook lamb to medium-rare or desired doneness.
- Remove kebabs from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Serve hot with rice, flatbread, or a fresh salad, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or mint if desired.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Allow your lamb to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
- Uniform Cutting: Cut lamb and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
- Skewer Strategy: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning, and leave small spaces between ingredients for proper heat circulation.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a medium-high grill temperature (400-450°F) for perfect caramelization without burning.
- Rest and Relax: Always let your kebabs rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Serve with Flair: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or mint, and pair with rice, flatbread, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
