This recipe pairs succulent grilled lamb skewers with fresh zucchini slices, marinated in Mediterranean herbs for vibrant flavor.
A cool homemade tzatziki sauce complements the warm, smoky skewers, adding a refreshing tang that balances the dish perfectly.
Perfect for summer grilling or a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are straightforward and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combining lamb with zucchini on skewers offers a nice contrast in texture and flavor, keeping the dish light yet hearty.
- Marinating the lamb and zucchini infuses them with bright Mediterranean herbs and spices, enhancing their natural flavors.
- The homemade tzatziki sauce is cool and creamy, made with fresh yogurt, cucumber, and dill, perfectly pairing with grilled meat.
Grilled Lamb and Zucchini Skewers with Homemade Tzatziki
Enjoy tender grilled lamb chunks combined with fresh zucchini and Mediterranean herbs, served alongside a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce for a fresh finish.
- Prep time
- 20 minutes
- Cook time
- 15 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 12 skewers
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds (680g) lamb leg or shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water 30 mins)
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup (240ml) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 English cucumber, seeded and finely grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Skewers In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, half the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add lamb cubes and zucchini slices. Toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours refrigerated.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce While the meat marinates, prepare the tzatziki. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, remaining garlic, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Skewers Thread the marinated lamb cubes and zucchini slices alternately onto the skewers. Discard excess marinade.
- Grill the Skewers Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Grill skewers 3-4 minutes per side, turning until lamb reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or longer to desired doneness. Remove from grill.
- Serve Let skewers rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with chilled tzatziki sauce on the side.
Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure lamb reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest before serving as recommended by USDA.
- To prevent wooden skewers from burning, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- For added flavor, marinate the lamb and zucchini up to 2 hours ahead and keep refrigerated, removing from fridge 30 minutes before grilling to come to room temperature.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover grilled lamb and zucchini skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep tzatziki sauce refrigerated separately in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
This dish is not suitable for freezing due to the tzatziki's fresh cucumber content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables with these skewers?
Yes, bell peppers, red onions, or cherry tomatoes pair well with lamb and zucchini on skewers.
How do I know when lamb skewers are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare; cook longer if you prefer more well-done lamb.
Is tzatziki sauce dairy-free?
Traditional tzatziki contains Greek yogurt, so it is not dairy-free. You can substitute with a dairy-free yogurt if needed.
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