Can I use wooden skewers?

Can I use wooden skewers? Yes! Just soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers are more durable and reusable, making them more eco-friendly and ideal for regular use.

What cut of lamb is best?

Boneless lamb leg or shoulder works best. They have the right balance of tenderness and fat for flavorful grilling. Sirloin is another great option, especially if you prefer a leaner cut with a quicker cooking time.

Do I have to grill them?

While grilling brings out the best flavor, you can also cook the skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop or broil them in the oven. These methods also help achieve that delicious charred exterior when grilling outdoors isn’t an option.

Greek Lamb Souvlaki Skewers

Name: Greek Lamb Souvlaki Skewers
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound lamb leg or shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 1/3 cup olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 2 tablespoons garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon cumin powder; 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste); 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

Description

Tender, juicy, and infused with Mediterranean flavor, Greek Lamb Souvlaki Skewers are a summer grilling essential. These savory skewers are made from chunks of lamb marinated in a zesty mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fragrant dried herbs. They're quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear once they hit the table. Perfect for backyard BBQs or a simple family dinner, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients

1 pound lamb leg or shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
1/3 cup olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon cumin powder
2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1 tablespoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

Marinate the lamb. Add cubed lamb into a zip-loc bag, and add 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, salt and pepper. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the marinade around the lamb to coat. Place in the fridge to marinate at least 30 minutes or overnight, to infuse all the seasoning and spices into the meat.
Skewer the lamb. Thread the lamb onto skewers, and lightly brush some olive oil.
Grill the skewers. Preheat a grill pan over medium high heat for 4-5 minutes and lightly brush the grill with remaining olive oil. You should notice the oil shimmer and sizzle when it's hot and ready. Grill the lamb skewers for 8-10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature for the lamb reaches 155 F. For well done, cook 1-2 more minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches above 160 F.

Notes

How to make the lamb even more tender: Turn off the heat and remove the the grill from heat a couple minutes earlier, when the internal temperature reaches 150 F (5 degrees lower than the desired level). Let it rest for a few minutes in the pan as the residual heat will continue to cook the skewers. Resting after cooking helps the juices redistribute into the meat. Once the internal temperature reaches 155 F, remove from the pan and serve.

How to cook lamb skewers in the oven: If you prefer, you can cook these skewers in the oven instead. This way you can cook them all year round. Simply place the skewers on a baking tray and bake at 440 F for 15 minutes, rotating the skewers halfway.

How to cook lamb in the air fryer: Cook (unskewered) at 375 F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Once done, leave the basket in the air fryer for another 2 minutes as it will continue to cook with residual heat.

How to store: Unthread the lamb souvlaki and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

How to reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the lamb.

How to freeze: Freeze uncooked marinated lamb in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as directed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Lamb
Method: Grill
Cuisine: Greek