If you’re looking for a spellbinding Oriental meal, then why not try these tasty lamb kebabs? All it takes is 30 minutes marinating and the meat will be transformed into an incredibly tender and flavorful dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind culinary experience!
Pick Good Quality Lamb
Fresh American lamb is the optimal choice for any dish. Not only does it provide superior quality, but buying locally harvested and sustainably raised meat helps to support our community as well!
When purchasing lamb, seek out cuts that are a rich pink hue with creamy white fat. Pass on any meat that is grey in color or excessively bloody, as well as those with an overly yellow and greasy fat layer. Bear in mind that certain breeds of lamb or older animals will have darker colored flesh due to age and breed variations.
The fat trim should be firm, white, and not too thick. Steer clear of any cuts that have a strong odor or an excessive amount of fat, as these are signs of meat that has not been properly handled or stored. Finally, when purchasing lamb from the butcher, ask for the freshest cut possible and make sure to take it home immediately after purchase.
Seasoning Vs. Marinating
The main difference between marinating and seasoning is that marinades contain a liquid or acid-based component, while seasonings are typically dry. Marinades are used to add flavor and tenderize proteins, while seasonings are primarily used to enhance the flavor of dishes without changing their texture.
Marinades usually contain an acidic ingredient such as vinegar or citrus juice which helps break down tough fibers in the meat and make it more tender. This makes marinating great for tougher cuts of meats such as beef, pork shoulder, and lamb shoulder. However, marinades will not tenderize leaner cuts of meat like chicken breasts or fish fillets because they lack enough fat content to break down with acids.
For enhanced flavor, marinade your meat before cooking – use either acid (like lemon juice), spices/herbs, honey/sugar, beer/wine, mustard seed oil, etc. Depending on what you like to cook with and how tender you desire your result to be; the marinating time should range anywhere between 30 minutes up to 8 hours.
Seasoning on the other hand, will add flavor to just about anything and can be used to enhance both tender and lean cuts of meat. Seasoning typically consists of herbs, spices, garlic, onions, and other flavorful ingredients like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Since seasonings do not contain any acidic components they are less likely to change the texture of the meat but can still provide great flavor.
So when it comes down to marinating versus seasoning, each method has its merits and you should use whichever works best for your particular dish. Both methods work well with lamb so have fun experimenting in the kitchen!
Kebab Species: Oriental flavors
Fresh mint and Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander and sumac give this lamb kebab a special flavor. It is sumach that adds a specific oriental flavor to this dish, and if you haven’t tried it yet, now is the time. It has this wonderful spiciness that pairs beautifully with lamb.
If you are going to use wooden skewers, be sure to soak them for several hours beforehand. Then double them up so the lamb stays on better.
Lamb Kebabs
Equipment
- 1 Grill or Grill Pan
- 1 Knife for Vegetables
- 1 Steak Knife
- 1 Small Bowl
Ingredients
For The Lamb
- 1 lb lamb neck fillet
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/8 teaspoon ground smoked paprika or red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
For The Kebabs
- 1 yellow bell pepper, de-seeded
- 1 red bell pepper, de-seeded
- 1 red onion
Instructions
- Start by rinsing and patting the lamb dry. Then, cut it into bite-size cubes.
- For optimum flavor, combine the diced lamb with all of its marinade ingredients in a large bowl, season to perfection and let it sit for at least thirty minutes. For maximum results however, you should leave the mixture overnight if possible.
- Wash bell peppers, halve them and take out the seeds and ribs. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Peel onion, then cut it into quarters
- Thread peppers, meat and onions in alternating manner on wooden skewers.
- Brush the whole kebabs with olive oil before grilling so they don’t stick.
- Fire up the grill to its highest heat and place the skewers on a large roasting tray. Cook them for 15–20 minutes until they acquire charming char marks and all meat is cooked through, turning frequently for even cooking.
Most Popular Lamb Kebabs Serving – Top 3
The most most popular Lamb Kebebs serving include:
- Tzatziki
- Greek Salad
- Pita Bread.
Tatziki
Tatziki is a classic accompaniment to lamb kebabs. It’s easy to make at home and pairs perfectly with grilled lamb. Just mix together Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill for an authentic flavor combination that will bring out the best in your kebabs!
Greek Salad
A salad is always the perfect side dish for lamb kebabs and a Greek salad is the ideal choice to bring out all of the flavor in each bite. Start with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and olives then top it off with feta cheese and a light vinaigrette dressing for a delicious combination that will have everyone wanting more!
Pita Bread
Nothing goes better with kabobs than a warm flatbread like Pita Bread! Whether you’re making your own or picking up some store bought ones, this classic side dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer or served alongside your meal for a complete experience. With its soft texture and mild flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at any get together!
These are just some of the best accompaniments for your lamb kebabs. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect flavors that will bring out the deliciousness of this classic dish! Enjoy!