Lamb skewers

Lamb skewers

45 min
Dazzle your guests with juicy lamb skewers perfectly enjoyed on a warm summer day. Fresh and with a bit of heat, this easy-to-make course will earn you the title of grill master in no time. The delicious preparation of the meat has its roots in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine where flavourful spices help bring out the best taste in grilled lamb skewers. Serve with a fresh pasta salad with white cheese and parsley, and you will find out why we call this the perfect recipe for lamb skewers.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/lamb-skewers/

Instructions

Lamb skewers
  • Mix mince with chilli, garlic, salt, mint, coriander, lemon zest, and milk. Shape into long mince rolls.
  • Fry in a little butter and rapeseed oil for around 3–4 minutes. Let it cool.
  • Thread meat rolls onto soaked wooden skewers. Brush with butter and rapeseed oil and heat on a grill for approx. 5 minutes
Pasta salad
  • Peel and chop the onion. Sauté half in one tbsp butter and rapeseed oil in a saucepan.
  • Add risoni, water, and salt. Boil for about 10 minutes.
  • Drain and stir in one tablespoon of butter and rapeseed oil. Let it cool.
  • Cut cucumber lengthwise. Core and cut into slices.
  • Mix cucumber, parsley, and the rest of the onion into the pasta. Crumble white cheese and mix gently with the rest.
  • Serve the salad with lamb skewers.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!
Tips

If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for a good 30 minutes before using them. That way, the wood absorbs the water, and you prevent the risk of them burning on the grill. If you have them in metal, do not worry, as they can withstand the heat.

Tips

We understand the urge to fill your skewer with as many pieces of delicious meat as possible, but we do recommend leaving some spaces between the individual slices. By doing so, you make sure the meat is cooked evenly, leaving you with the best result.

Questions about lamb skewers

Are you interested in finding out more about how to make lamb on skewers? Read below where we have gathered our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

What are lamb skewers?
With origins in the Mediterranean and Middle East, both Turkish and Greek lamb skewers are a delicious summer meal perfect for family gatherings or an easy weekday dinner. Sometimes they are called lamb kofta but do not be confused. It is the same thing: pieces of minced lamb with spices cooked on skewers.
How to cook lamb skewers?
Mix minced meat with chilli, garlic, salt, mint, coriander, lemon zest and milk and mould into rolls. Fry briefly for 3-4 minutes and let them cool before placing them on skewers. Brush with butter and oil, and then grill for a handful of minutes.
How long to grill lamb skewers?
In our recipe, we fry the meat in a pan before making the skewers and finishing on the grill. Therefore, it only takes about 5 minutes on the grill for the juicy meat to be cooked perfectly through – without losing any of its succulent flavours.
What to serve with lamb skewers?
Our lamb skewers recipe suggests a delightful and refreshing pasta salad with crunchy cucumber and fresh parsley leaves. You can also serve the lamb skewers as part of a bigger BBQ buffet with different sides, dips, and salads.
How to tell if lamb skewers are cooked?
If you have a thermometer at hand, simply insert it and see what the internal temperature is. For this type of meat, medium-rare is 63°C, medium is 71°C, and well-done is 77°C. You can also check texture and firmness by gently pressing the lamb with a fork or a finger. If it has a bit of springiness to it, the meat is most likely medium-rare, while well-done lamb is firmer and with less give. Just refrain from pressing too hard on the meat. You want those delicious juices to stay inside.

Ingredients

Lamb skewers
Minced lamb
500 g
Finely chopped red chillies
1 tsp
Finely chopped garlic cloves
2
Salt (approx.)
1 tsp
Chopped fresh mint
2 tbsp
Chopped fresh coriander
2 tbsp
Lemon (unwaxed), grated zest
½
Milk
100 ml
Butter and rapeseed oil
3 tbsp
Pasta salad
Risoni (or Orzo)
170 g
Yellow onion
1
Butter and rapeseed oil
2 tbsp
Water
1 litre
Salt
1 tsp
Cucumber
1
Chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 dl
150 g

Try our recipe for flavourful lamb skewers

A warm grill and the heat of the sun. All you need now is the mouth-watering smell of seared lamb skewers and the happy smiles of your nearest and dearest. Our lamb skewers recipe helps you bring a juicy dish to your party. By mixing the mince with milk, the meat retains moisture that allows your final product to be tender and dripping with juices. And that is just the inside. Fry your mince rolls for a few minutes not only to seal the juices but also to achieve that delicious, slightly caramelised crust. That way, every bite comes with a delightful combination of mildly crunchy, succulent meat.

Chilli, garlic, coriander, and mint – traditional kofta flavours

Embrace the origins of lamb on skewers by going all in on traditional kofta flavours. Chilli, garlic, coriander, and mint are spices commonly found in lamb kofta, and together they form a wonderful wave of summer-filled aromas and flavours. Chilli and garlic infuse the lamb kofta with heat and savoury nuances, while coriander and mint are perfectly matched to give the meat a spike of freshness.

Are you warmed up to more BBQ dishes? How about a plate of succulent grilled spareribs with delicious barbecue sauce? Or maybe you are in search of a side that can soak up all the juices from the lovely lamb kofta. Try baking a summery olive bread that is sure to impress wherever you go.

Perfect for the bonfire or a BBQ party

The summer brings people together, and whether on an outdoor picnic or at a BBQ party, lamb on skewers remains an irresistible summer dish for everybody to try. The dish is simple and easy to prepare in advance as well as bring with you, which makes it perfect for bringing on a picnic or a potluck supper in the garden.

So, if you want to sit down with your family the traditional way, plates on benches, and enjoy the meal, you can easily do that. But you can also go the more rustic way and prepare the lamb skewers to be made and enjoyed around a bonfire. Either way is perfect.

If you feel the urge to dip lamb skewers in tzatziki or hummus, trust us: it is perfectly natural. Tzatziki in particular pairs well with the richness of the lamb because of the fresh and tangy flavours from the Greek yoghurt, while also adding a creamy texture to every bite.

Add your own touch

Succulent lamb skewers are a true delight, but that does not mean that you cannot adjust the recipe and add a personal touch. For example, add cumin that pairs very well with lamb and provides an earthier and warmer flavour. Rosemary and thyme are also classic in combination with lamb. The piney and slightly floral notes of rosemary can add a wonderful aromatic touch, while the lemony and slightly minty thyme can support the existing palette of flavours.

You can also stuff the lamb skewers with a mixture of cheese, for example, goat cheese or salad cheese to add a creamy surprise that will take the skewers to a new level.