Authentic Turkish Lamb Shish Kebabs. Marinated and grilled to perfection, these kebabs are perfect for weeknight meal or a weekend BBQ
Shish kebabs literally translates into Skewered Meat. In Turkey Shish Kebabs are traditionally made with diced lamb but sometimes chicken is used too. These kebabs are very simple to prepare. Marinate in advance and grill in pan or bbq.
How to Make Lamb Shish Kebabs
Lamb. The best cuts of meat to use for shish kebab are boneless lamb shoulder, lamb sirloin or lamb leg. Trim off the excess fat.
For marinade you need the following ingridients:
Yogurt. Use full fat, plain yogurt. It forms the base of the marinade and helps tenderize the lamb.
Olive oil. Use extra virgin, flavorful olive oil.
Garlic. Use freshly minced garlic.
Seasonings. Cumin powder, paprika, Sumac and salt. If you cant find sumac, Use lemon juice as substitute.
The secret to get these shish kebabs right is to marinate the meat long enough to get the flavor into the lamb and makes it tender. Ideally marinate for 24 hrs, if you are really pressed onto the time 3-4 hrs would do as well.
Thread the meat on metal skewers. Preheat grill untill hot and drizzle some oil. Grill the skewers while turning them.
Watch how to make it
How to Serve Lamb Shish Kebabs
Add some grilled vegetables like onions, capsicum and tomatoes. Serve with pita or Turkish rice pilaf or pita. You can also roll it in a wrap. These kebabs also go well with Hummus. Authentic shish kebab is served with thinly sliced onion tossed in sumac seasoning. Also a simple salad with cucumber, onions, tomatoes and parsley.
Other Turkish Recipes to Try
Turkish Pide
Turkish Adana Kebabs
Turkish Chicken Doner Kebab
Lamb Shish Kebabs
Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb (Boneless & Diced)
- ¼ cup Plain Yoghurt
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1/2 tsp Sumac Substitute 1 tbsp Lemon Juice.
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
Instructions
- In a bowl mix all marinade ingredients and add lamb.
- Allow the lamb to be marinated for 24 hrs or at least 3-4 hrs.
- Thread the lamb into skewers. Preheat grill until hot but not smoking. Drizzle some oil.
- Grill the skewers while turning on sides. For medium done total 8 minutes should be enough.
- Serve with pita, salad or hummus.
Notes
- Sumac is derived for dried berries. It has a tangy flavour. Though easily available at Middle Eastern stores but if unavailable Lemon juice can be used.
