Welcome to the season of sunshine, outdoor gatherings, and the irresistible aroma of the grill! As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like gathering friends and family for a memorable meal cooked al fresco. And when it comes to creating an unforgettable grilling experience, these **Grilled Citrus Lamb Skewers** truly shine, offering a refreshing and intensely flavorful dish that’s perfect for any summer occasion. Crafted with tender, high-quality American Lamb, these skewers are designed to be the star of your backyard barbecue, promising a culinary adventure with every bite.
***This post is proudly sponsored by the American Lamb Board. All opinions and culinary insights expressed herein are, as always, 100% my own.***
Hello, glorious July! It feels wonderful to finally embrace the full swing of summer, especially here in the Mile High City, where the vibrant energy of the season is palpable. With holidays like the Fourth of July just around the corner, my days are filled with the joyous pursuit of outdoor living. Whether it’s basking in the sun, enjoying leisurely strolls, or planning festive gatherings, summer is truly a time for making memories.
Speaking of summer celebrations, what are your plans for the upcoming festivities? Are you envisioning a cozy stay-at-home celebration, perhaps watching dazzling fireworks with loved ones, or indulging in generous scoops of your favorite ice cream? Whatever your ideal way to celebrate, I sincerely hope your plans include firing up the grill. There’s an undeniable magic that happens when food meets flame, transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary meals, and today, we’re diving into a recipe that encapsulates that magic perfectly.
Today, I’m thrilled to share a collection of recipes that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also make any impromptu summer gathering feel effortlessly elegant. First, we have the incredibly flavorful **Persian Spiced Ground Lamb with Mint Couscous**. This dish is a true symphony of aromas and textures, bursting with exotic spices and fresh herbs. I always ensure I have American ground lamb readily available in my kitchen, not just for its incredible versatility and juicy tenderness, but also for its ability to infuse any recipe with that special, unforgettable “something.” Its rich flavor profile acts as a fantastic base, allowing the intricate spices to truly shine.
One of the many beauties of the Persian Spiced Ground Lamb with Mint Couscous is its make-ahead convenience. You can effortlessly prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld even further, and simply reheat it to perfection just as your guests arrive. This flexibility is a game-changer for stress-free entertaining. However, no matter what, you absolutely cannot forget to serve these show-stopping **Grilled Citrus Lamb Skewers**. The secret to their incredible flavor and succulence lies in a remarkably simple yet incredibly effective marinade – a vibrant blend of citrus and fresh herbs, designed to make every cube of boneless leg of lamb glisten with flavor.
Boneless leg of lamb is an absolutely fantastic cut of meat, prized for its tenderness and rich flavor. It’s incredibly versatile, capable of being slow-roasted whole for a grand centerpiece or, as we’re doing here, sliced into convenient 2-inch cubes, perfect for quick grilling on skewers. If you find it challenging to locate this specific cut in your local meat section, don’t hesitate to ask your butcher to prepare some for you. They are usually more than happy to assist, and I promise, the exceptional flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture of these grilled lamb skewers will have you doing a happy dance long after your last bite. It’s a cut that absorbs marinades beautifully, ensuring deep flavor penetration and a truly succulent result.
So, with these culinary delights laid out before us, who’s ready to ignite those flames and fire up the grill? Grilling is more than just cooking; it’s an experience, a ritual that brings people together, and these lamb skewers are designed to elevate that experience to new heights. The aroma of citrus and lamb sizzling over an open flame is simply irresistible, setting the stage for a truly magnificent meal.
Furthermore, the American Lamb Board recently embarked on an exciting initiative, selecting nine consumers from across the country to host their very own lamb-themed parties, showcasing the versatility and deliciousness of various lamb cuts. You have the unique opportunity to vote for your favorite party and, in doing so, be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a fantastic $500 gift card to Lululemon, Target, or REI! As an added bonus, if you enter on Instagram and tag a friend, you could also win an incredible lamb summer grilling prize pack! Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to celebrate American Lamb and potentially win some amazing prizes. Click HERE to enter for a chance to win! Good luck to all participants – your vote helps highlight the incredible culinary creativity inspired by American Lamb!
Grilled Citrus Lamb Skewers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- for the grilled citrus lamb skewers:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 dill sprigs
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2.5 lbs boneless leg of lamb cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 large zucchini, cut into 2-inch squares
- 2 large yellow squash, cut into 2-inch squares
- 2 red onions, cut into 2-inch squares
- for the persian spiced ground lamb:
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- salt and pepper to taste
- for the couscous:
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- for the grilled citrus lamb skewers:
- In a food processor, combine olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves, fresh dill sprigs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it forms a smooth, aromatic puree. Next, place the carefully prepared 2-inch lamb cubes into a sturdy Ziploc bag or a non-reactive dish. Pour the freshly made marinade over the lamb, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and the lamb to tenderize for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Once the marinating time is complete, remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let it rest on the kitchen counter for at least an hour before grilling. This crucial step allows the lamb to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking. If you plan to use wooden skewers, now is the perfect time to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from charring or burning when exposed to the high heat of the grill.
- Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats, begin assembling your kabobs. Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto the skewers, alternating with colorful pieces of zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion. Continue this pattern until all ingredients have been used, creating vibrant and enticing skewers. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the skewers on the grates. Grill the skewers, rotating them periodically to ensure even cooking on all sides, until the lamb reaches your desired doneness. For a perfect medium-rare, aim for about 7 to 8 minutes total cooking time. The vegetables should be tender-crisp and lightly charred. Serve these magnificent skewers immediately, ideally alongside the refreshing mint couscous and a dollop of creamy tzatziki for a truly complete and satisfying meal.
- for the persian spiced ground lamb:
- In a small bowl, carefully measure and combine the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom. Mix thoroughly until the spices are well integrated. Set this aromatic spice blend aside until you’re ready to use it. Preheat a large skillet or frying pan to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, minced shallot, and grated fresh ginger to the hot skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the kitchen fills with their fragrant aroma. Next, add the prepared Persian spice blend to the skillet and continue to cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to toast and release their full flavor. Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are cooking evenly. Cook the tomatoes for a few minutes until they begin to soften and slightly burst. Then, stir in the ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the lamb is no longer pink, typically about five minutes. Pour in the chicken stock and continue to cook for a few more minutes, allowing most of the liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and taste, adjusting salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and set aside until you’re ready to serve this rich, aromatic ground lamb mixture.
- Meanwhile, prepare the couscous. In a large heatproof bowl, pour the boiling water over the dry couscous. Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and let it stand undisturbed for about 15 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the water and become tender. Once hydrated, use a fork to fluff the couscous, separating the grains. Add the olive oil, minced shallot, and generous amount of chopped fresh mint to the couscous. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the mint and shallot are evenly distributed. Season the couscous with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary for perfect balance. To serve this exquisite dish, spread a bed of the fluffy mint couscous onto a large serving tray or individual plates. Spoon the aromatic Persian spiced ground lamb generously over the couscous. For an added touch of creaminess and tang, garnish the top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki, which beautifully complements the rich flavors of the lamb.
All images and text ©Lauren Grier for The Curious Plate
In conclusion, these Grilled Citrus Lamb Skewers are far more than just a meal; they are an experience, a tantalizing fusion of succulence and vibrant, zesty delight that embodies the very essence of summer grilling. Each bite encapsulates the perfect balance of tender lamb, bright citrus, and aromatic herbs, leaving a lasting impression of flavor harmony. This recipe, thoughtfully paired with the richly spiced Persian Ground Lamb and refreshing Mint Couscous, transforms a simple dinner into a memorable culinary event. Elevate your dining moments and impress your guests with this citrus-infused culinary masterpiece, proving that delicious, gourmet meals can be both accessible and incredibly satisfying. Get ready to make these lamb skewers a new favorite in your summer repertoire!