Finding new ways to shake up your weeknight dinner routine can feel like a puzzle, especially when you’re trying to balance taste with something that’s not too complicated to make. We’ve all been there – staring into the fridge at 6 PM, wondering what to cook that won’t keep us in the kitchen for hours but will still make everyone at the table happy.
That’s where these ground lamb kabobs come in handy. They’re quick to put together, cook up in no time, and bring just the right mix of familiar and different to your dinner table. Plus, they’re the kind of meal that lets you prep ahead if you need to, making them perfect for those busy days when you want something good without all the fuss.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground lamb can be replaced with ground beef, turkey, or chicken for different flavor profiles and lower fat content. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe, but adjust cooking time as needed, especially for poultry. For a vegetarian option, consider using a mixture of lentils and mushrooms, finely chopped and seasoned similarly to mimic the texture of ground meat. Fresh dill can be substituted with dried dill (use 1 teaspoon) or fresh mint for a different but complementary flavor. If bamboo sticks are unavailable, use metal skewers or shape the meat mixture into small patties for easier cooking. These alternatives maintain the dish’s Mediterranean flavors while accommodating various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
| Preparation Time | 15-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 8-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 23-40 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2000-2200
- Protein: 160-180 g
- Fat: 140-160 g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 g
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds ground lamb
- 8 bamboo sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Bamboo Skewers
Place 8 bamboo skewers in a bowl of water and soak them for 30 minutes.
This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
Once soaked, remove them from the water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Prepare the Lamb Mixture
In a large bowl, combine all your ingredients except for the lamb.
Stir these ingredients together until well mixed, then add the lamb to the bowl.
Gently mix until the ingredients are just combined with the lamb.
Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the meat tough.
Step 3: Form the Kofta Kebabs
Divide the lamb mixture into 16 equal sections.
Take one section and mold it around a bamboo skewer, forming it into a shape that’s a few inches long and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
Repeat this process until all skewers have two sections of meat, spaced about 1-2 inches apart on each skewer.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill and Cook
Preheat your grill or a grill pan on the stove to medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place the prepared skewers on the grill and cook them for 3 minutes on one side.
Flip each skewer and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness: approximately 2 minutes on the second side for medium-rare, 3 minutes for medium, 4 minutes for medium-well, or 5 minutes for well-done.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
After grilling, let the lamb kofta kebabs rest for a few minutes.
This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender kebab.
Serve the kebabs warm and enjoy!
