Succulent Kibbeh-Spiced Lamb Skewers Recipe

Spectacular Kibbeh-Spiced Lamb Skewers Recipe for Grill Lovers

Tender cuts of lamb dance with a symphony of Middle Eastern spices in these mouthwatering kibbeh-spiced lamb skewers that promise a culinary adventure.

Fragrant cumin, warm cinnamon, and earthy allspice weave their magic through juicy meat, creating an irresistible aroma.

Every bite tells a story of traditional Lebanese flavors and centuries-old cooking techniques.

The spice blend brings a robust depth that turns simple grilled meat into a remarkable dish.

Marinating the lamb allows these incredible spices to penetrate deeply, ensuring maximum flavor in each tender morsel.

The skewers grill quickly, developing a beautifully caramelized exterior while maintaining a succulent interior.

Serve these skewers alongside a cool yogurt sauce and warm flatbread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Beirut.

Ingredients for Kibbeh-Spiced Lamb Skewers

For Meat Base:
  • Ground Lamb: Brings robust, rich flavor to the skewers with its succulent texture and deep meaty profile.
  • Chopped Onion: Adds sharp sweetness and helps bind the meat mixture while providing subtle aromatic depth.
For Aromatic Spices:
  • Ground Allspice, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander: Create a warm, complex Middle Eastern spice blend that transforms ordinary lamb into an extraordinary culinary experience, delivering layers of earthy and slightly sweet notes.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the lamb.
For Fresh Accents and Binding:
  • Pine Nuts: Contribute delicate crunch and nutty richness, toasting elegantly to release their deep, buttery essence.
  • Chopped Parsley: Introduces bright, fresh herbal notes that cut through the meat's richness and add vibrant green color.
  • Olive Oil: Helps moisturize the meat mixture, ensuring juicy skewers and preventing dryness during grilling.
  • Minced Garlic: Provides pungent, aromatic undertones that complement the lamb's natural flavor.

Tool Up for Lamb Skewer Perfection

  • Large bowl: Spacious container for mixing lamb and spices.
  • Dry pan: Small skillet for toasting pine nuts with even heat.
  • Grill: Outdoor or indoor cooking surface for creating charred lamb skewers.
  • Skewers: Long metal or wooden sticks for shaping and grilling lamb.
  • Cutting board: Flat surface for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.
  • Sharp knife: Essential tool for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Tongs: Metal utensil for safely turning skewers while grilling.
  • Measuring spoons: Precise tools for measuring ground spices accurately.

How to Grill Kibbeh Lamb Skewers

Lamb Skewer Adventure

  • Flavor Foundation

Craft a tantalizing lamb mixture by blending ground lamb with aromatic spices like allspice, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. The key is creating a harmonious spice profile that dances on your palate.

  • Nutty Touch

Gently toast pine nuts until they release a golden, fragrant essence. Fold these crunchy treasures into the meat mixture for a delightful textural surprise.

  • Herb and Oil Harmony

Introduce fresh parsley and silky olive oil to the meat mixture. Mix until every morsel is beautifully coated with herbal brightness and rich smoothness.

  • Skewer Shaping

Mold the seasoned lamb into elegant, elongated shapes around skewers. Press firmly to ensure a compact, sturdy form that will hold together during grilling.

  • Fiery Transformation

Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, turning periodically. Watch for a perfect exterior char and ensure the internal temperature signals complete cooking. The goal is a crispy outside with a juicy interior.

  • Citrus Finale

Serve the skewers piping hot, accompanied by bright lemon wedges. A fresh squeeze adds a zesty punch that elevates the entire dish.

Spice Ideas & Substitutes for Lamb Skewers

  • Dial up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or reduce intensity for milder palates, ensuring everyone enjoys the lamb skewers.
  • Replace ground lamb with ground beef or ground chicken for a different protein experience, maintaining the traditional Middle Eastern flavor profile.
  • Experiment with additional fresh herbs like mint or oregano to boost the aromatic complexity of the skewer mixture, creating a unique taste sensation.
  • Allow meat to rest at room temperature before grilling, helping achieve even cooking and preventing tough, dry skewers with a juicy interior.
  • Prepare a quick yogurt-based tzatziki or tahini sauce for dipping, complementing the robust spices and adding a cooling contrast to the grilled meat.

Serving Suggestions for Middle Eastern Vibes

  • Middle Eastern Mezze Platter: Create a vibrant spread with hummus, tzatziki, pickled vegetables, and warm pita bread to complement the lamb skewers.
  • Herbed Couscous Companion: Prepare light, fluffy couscous with fresh mint, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil as a perfect side dish that soaks up the lamb's rich flavors.
  • Cooling Yogurt Sauce: Whip up a quick sauce with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped cucumber, and a sprinkle of dried mint to balance the warm spices in the skewers.
  • Crisp Mediterranean Salad: Toss together diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese with a lemon-olive oil dressing to provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the grilled meat.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips for Lamb Skewers

  • Flavor Boost Prep: Marinate lamb mixture up to 24 hours in advance to enhance spice depth and tenderness. Refrigerate covered to maximize taste infusion.
  • Smart Portion Control: Create smaller skewers or freeze excess meat mixture in sealed containers for future quick meals. Individual portions help manage eating plans efficiently.
  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked skewers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated lamb skewers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and food safety.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap uncooked seasoned lamb skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer bags. Frozen skewers remain delicious for approximately 2-3 months when properly sealed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20min

Cook Time: 12min

Total Time: 32min

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

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Succulent Kibbeh-Spiced Lamb Skewers Recipe

Succulent Kibbeh-Spiced Lamb Skewers


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4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 32min
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Lebanese-inspired kibbeh-spiced lamb skewers blend Middle Eastern spices with grilled meat excellence. Succulent marinated lamb offers a rich, aromatic experience that connects culinary traditions and celebrates Mediterranean flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground lamb
  • 1 tbsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup pine nuts (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Blend ground lamb with onion, garlic, allspice, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander, creating a robust Middle Eastern-inspired mixture. Gently toast pine nuts and fold into the meat blend along with chopped parsley and olive oil.
  2. Forming Skewers: Carefully shape the seasoned lamb mixture around skewers, ensuring compact and uniform cylindrical shapes that will cook evenly and maintain structural integrity.
  3. Grilling Process: Preheat grill to medium-high temperature, strategically positioning skewers to achieve optimal caramelization. Rotate skewers periodically, allowing each side to develop a rich, appetizing char while ensuring the lamb reaches perfect doneness.
  4. Serving: Remove skewers from grill when exterior is deeply golden and interior is thoroughly cooked. Plate the kibbeh lamb skewers alongside fresh lemon wedges, which will provide a bright, zesty complement to the deeply spiced meat.

Notes

  • Spice Balance Matters: Carefully measure and blend spices to achieve an authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate lamb meat.
  • Toasting Technique: Gently toast pine nuts over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release their rich, nutty essence that enhances the overall dish.
  • Meat Binding Tip: Compress lamb mixture firmly around skewers to ensure compact formation and prevent crumbling during grilling.
  • Grilling Precision: Maintain medium-high heat and rotate skewers frequently to create an even, caramelized exterior while keeping the interior juicy and fully cooked.
  • Prep Time: 20min
  • Cook Time: 12min
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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