Grilled American Lamb Skewers

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless American Lamb Shoulder or Lamb Leg – Cut into 1-inch cubes. The Lamb shoulder is a flavorful and affordable cut that becomes tender when cooked properly.
• Marinade: Since the lamb shoulder is a tougher cut, a wet marinade with acid will help tenderize it. For this recipe, we’re using lime juice combined with spices and aromatics like smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic, and olive oil. I like to marinate the lamb overnight but do it for at least 1-hour so the marinade has time to work its magic with this tougher cut of meat.
• Creamy Chipotle Sauce Ingredients: This creamy sauce packs a punch of heat and tanginess to perfectly complement the grilled lamb skewers. Mayonnaise, sour cream or crema, chipotle peppers from a can, adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers, lime juice, smoked paprika, and kosher salt.

See the full recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Why Source American Lamb

When it comes to lamb, it’s all about sourcing domestic, American lamb that’s raised closer to home. Not only is it a fresh option, but you’re also supporting local farmers and ranchers who take pride in producing the best quality product.

The boneless lamb shoulder is an ideal cut for these skewers due to its marbling and fat content, which infuses the meat with incredible flavor when cooked over direct flames. This nicely marbled, flavorful cut is often more affordable than other lamb cuts, making it a great choice for serving a crowd. You can even buy a larger lamb shoulder and use it for multiple recipes, such as grilled lamb sliders or smoked lamb shoulder.

Here in San Diego, I source my American lamb from reputable butchers like The Wise Ox Butcher or Siesel’s Meats. Find a local source for American lamb near you with help from the American Lamb Board.

1. Marinate: In a bowl, combine the lamb shoulder cubes with the flavorful marinade of lime juice, aromatics, and spices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, preferably overnight.
2. Skewer: Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
3. Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Sear the skewers for 3-5 minutes per side, rotating occasionally, until the lamb reaches your desired doneness.
4. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve with the creamy chipotle sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Tips for Success

• Grilling hot and fast over direct heat is key to developing flavor on the outside without overcooking the lamb. I also much prefer to grill over charcoal for the extra smoky flavor, but any type of grill or even skillet on the stove or under the broiler in the oven will cook great.
• Use Metal Skewers, which are reusable and won’t burn on the grill.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to verify the lamb reaches your desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium). *USDA recommends the following time and temperature parameters Internal temperature of 145°F, with a 3 minute rest.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Use the creamy chipotle sauce for dipping these flavorful skewers – every bite is better with a dollop of that smoky, zesty sauce. Pair the lamb skewers with a refreshing cucumber salad or classic potato salad on the side to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, these skewers are equally delicious served over a bed of warm, creamy polenta or mushroom risotto.

While these make for an excellent appetizer, this lamb is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a main course. Serving them atop a fresh salad of mixed greens or nestled into a warm pita with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired meal, or in a rice bowl with other grilled veggies.