- Why did the wooden skewers burn?
- You forgot to soak them. Wooden skewers must be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before use!
- Why did the meat spin on the skewer?
- You cut the holes too big or used round skewers. Flat skewers are better because they hold the food steady when flipping.
Lamb Shish Kebab
'Shish' means skewer, and 'Kebab' means roasted meat. This dish traces back to nomadic tribes who grilled meat on their swords over open fires. The secret lies in the marinade—lemon to tenderize and oil to conduct heat. Alternating vegetables and meat isn't just for looks; the vegetables steam the meat from the inside as they cook.
Ingredients
1.5
lbs
Lamb Leg or Shoulder (cubed)
2
medium
Red Onions (cut into wedges)
2
medium
Bell Peppers (cut into chunks)
3
tbsp
Olive Oil
2
tbsp
Lemon Juice
2
cloves
Garlic (minced)
1
tsp
Cumin
1
tsp
Ground Coriander
1
tsp
Salt
1
pinch
Pepper, Cinnamon
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Skewers (metal or bamboo): For threading the meat.
- Grill or Grill Pan: For cooking.
- Brush: For basting.
Instructions
1
✓
Mix the marinade: oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Toss the 1-inch meat cubes in the marinade.
Tip: Let marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight. The acid and enzymes work on the meat.
2
✓
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water. Cut vegetables to the same size as the meat cubes.
Tip: Uniform size ensures the vegetables don't burn before the meat is cooked.
3
✓
Thread onto skewers alternating: Meat - Onion - Pepper - Meat. Don't pack them too tightly.
Tip: Leave a tiny gap so heat reaches all sides of the meat. If too tight, the middle stays raw.
4
✓
Grill on high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until browned on all sides.
Tip: Turn regularly. Lamb is best served slightly pink (medium-rare/medium).
5
✓
Serve with pita bread, yogurt sauce, and fresh parsley.
Tip: Rest for 5 minutes before serving, just like any roast meat.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Lamb Leg or Shoulder (cubed)
- 2 medium Red Onions (cut into wedges)
- 2 medium Bell Peppers (cut into chunks)
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 pinch Pepper, Cinnamon