Spicy Grilled Lamb Kebab, a Turkish recipe
Turkish

Spicy Grilled Lamb Kebab

A traditional Turkish grilled kebab dish made with richly spiced minced lamb, expertly skewered and grilled over open flames to perfection. This recipe delivers a succulent and flavorful experience with a delightful kick.

By CuocoMitra · Published · Updated 25 July 2026

kebablambgrilledspicy
Total time
Prep
Cook
Serves
4
Per serving
457kcal
Difficulty
medium

Spicy Grilled Lamb Kebab is a medium Turkish recipe that serves 4 and takes 55 minutes (25 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking). It uses 12 ingredients across 6 steps. Each serving provides about 457.1 calories.

Ingredients

12 ingredients for 4 servings. Open any ingredient for its nutrition detail.

  • Raw Ground LambPreferably lamb shoulder or leg, minced.500 g

    Lamb, ground, raw

    Lamb, Veal, and Game Productssr_legacy

    In this recipe: 500 g, Preferably lamb shoulder or leg, minced.

    Per 100 g

    Calories282 kcal
    Protein16.6g
    Carbs0g
    Fat23.4g
    Fiber0g

    Common portions

    oz 1 undetermined28.35 g
    oz 4 undetermined113 g
    Main proteinUmami builderFat sourceUmamiGameyRich
  • Raw Fresh Australian Lamb FatFinely diced or grated, for extra juiciness and flavor. Optional if mince is already fatty.50 g

    Lamb, Australian, imported, fresh, separable fat, raw

    Lamb, Veal, and Game Productssr_legacy

    In this recipe: 50 g, Finely diced or grated, for extra juiciness and flavor. Optional if mince is already fatty.

    Per 100 g

    Calories648 kcal
    Protein6.27g
    Carbs0g
    Fat68.9g
    Fiber

    Common portions

    oz 1 undetermined28.35 g
    oz 3 undetermined85 g
    lb 1 undetermined453.6 g
    Main proteinFlavor baseGameySavoryRichTender
  • Raw Onions1 medium, finely grated or minced.150 g

    Onions, raw

    Vegetables and Vegetable Productssr_legacy

    In this recipe: 150 g, 1 medium, finely grated or minced.

    Per 100 g

    Calories40 kcal
    Protein1.1g
    Carbs9.34g
    Fat0.1g
    Fiber1.7g

    Common portions

    slice, thin 1 undetermined9 g
    tbsp chopped 1 undetermined10 g
    slice, medium (1/8" thick) 1 undetermined14 g
    slice, large (1/4" thick) 1 undetermined38 g
    AromaticFlavor enhancerBase ingredientPungentSweetSavory
  • Raw Garlic2-3 cloves, minced.10 g

    Garlic, raw

    Vegetables and Vegetable Productssr_legacy

    In this recipe: 10 g, 2-3 cloves, minced.

    Per 100 g

    Calories149 kcal
    Protein6.36g
    Carbs33.1g
    Fat0.5g
    Fiber2.1g

    Common portions

    tsp 1 undetermined2.8 g
    clove 1 undetermined3 g
    cloves 3 undetermined9 g
    cup 1 undetermined136 g
    AromaticFlavor enhancerSpicePungentSpicyEarthy
  • Raw Red Chili PeppersOr Aleppo pepper, for a mild to medium heat.5 g

    Peppers, hot chili, red, raw

    Vegetables and Vegetable Productssr_legacy

    In this recipe: 5 g, Or Aleppo pepper, for a mild to medium heat.

    Per 100 g

    Calories40 kcal
    Protein1.87g
    Carbs8.81g
    Fat0.44g
    Fiber1.5g

    Common portions

    pepper 1 undetermined45 g
    cup, chopped or diced 0.5 undetermined75 g
    Flavor enhancerSpiceAromaticSpicyFruityEarthy
  • Cumin, ground5 g

    Cuminum cyminum

    Spices and herbsSpices

    In this recipe: 5 g

    Per 100 g

    Calories402 kcal
    Protein18.9g
    Carbs39g
    Fat22.15g
    Fiber10.5g

    Common portions

    ground 1 tsp2 g
    ground 1 tbsp6 g
    bulk measure 10 g10 g
    1 oz 1 undetermined28 g
    SpiceAromaticFlavor baseEarthyWarmNutty
  • Coriander, ground5 g

    Coriandrum sativum

    Spices and herbsSpices

    In this recipe: 5 g

    Per 100 g

    Calories314.5 kcal
    Protein12g
    Carbs43.5g
    Fat15.5g
    Fiber41.5g

    Common portions

    ground 1 tsp2 g
    ground 1 tbsp6 g
    bulk measure 10 g10 g
    1 oz 1 undetermined28 g
    SpiceAromaticFlavor baseCitrusyWarmNutty
  • Sweet Paprika5 g

    Capsicum annuum

    Spices and HerbsGround pepper spice

    In this recipe: 5 g

    Per 100 g

    Calories311 kcal
    Protein16g
    Carbs19g
    Fat13.5g
    Fiber35g

    Common portions

    1 tsp 1 tsp2.3 g
    1 tbsp 1 tbsp6.8 g
    100 g 100 g100 g
    SeasoningColor builderFlavor baseSweetEarthyMild
  • Plain SaltTo taste.5 g

    PLAIN SALT

    Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizerssr_legacy

    In this recipe: 5 g, To taste.

    Per 100 g

    Calories0 kcal
    Protein0g
    Carbs0g
    Fat0g
    Fiber

    Common portions

    1 g1.5 g
    Flavor enhancerSeasoningSaltyGrittyCrystalline
  • Black PepperFreshly ground, to taste.2 g

    Spices, pepper, black

    Herbs & Spicessr_legacy

    In this recipe: 2 g, Freshly ground, to taste.

    Per 100 g

    Calories251 kcal
    Protein10.4g
    Carbs64g
    Fat3.26g
    Fiber25.3g

    Common portions

    dash 1 undetermined0.1 g
    tsp, ground 1 undetermined2.3 g
    tsp, whole 1 undetermined2.9 g
    tbsp, ground 1 undetermined6.9 g
    SeasoningFlavor enhancerAromaticSpicyPungentEarthy
  • Fresh ParsleyFinely chopped, for garnish.15 g

    Parsley, fresh

    Vegetables and Vegetable Productssr_legacy

    In this recipe: 15 g, Finely chopped, for garnish.

    Per 100 g

    Calories36 kcal
    Protein2.97g
    Carbs6.33g
    Fat0.79g
    Fiber3.3g

    Common portions

    tbsp 1 undetermined3.8 g
    sprigs 10 undetermined10 g
    cup chopped 1 undetermined60 g
    GarnishAromaticFlavor enhancerFreshEarthyPeppery
  • Olive OilFor brushing the grill or kebabs.15 ml

    Oil, olive, salad or cooking

    Fats and Oilssr_legacy

    In this recipe: 15 ml, For brushing the grill or kebabs.

    Per 100 g

    Calories884 kcal
    Protein0g
    Carbs0g
    Fat100g
    Fiber0g

    Common portions

    tsp 1 undetermined4.5 g
    tablespoon 1 undetermined13.5 g
    cup 1 undetermined216 g
    Fat sourceCooking mediumFlavor enhancerFruityMildSilky

What you’ll need

8 tools across 6 steps.

  • salad bowlEssentialsteps 1, 2
  • grater (if using horseradish)Essentialstep 1
  • grill (parrilla)Essentialsteps 4, 5
  • TongsEssentialstep 5
  • lollipop stickstep 3
  • basting brushstep 4
  • Meat thermometerstep 5
  • serving platterstep 6

Method

  1. 1

    Prepare the Kebab Mixture

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the 500 g lamb mince and 50 g finely diced lamb tail fat (if using). Add the 150 g grated onion (squeeze out excess liquid), 10 g minced garlic, 5 g red pepper flakes, 5 g ground cumin, 5 g ground coriander, 5 g sweet paprika, 5 g salt, and 2 g black pepper.

    Squeezing excess liquid from the onion prevents the kebabs from becoming watery and helps them bind better.

  2. 2

    Mix and Chill

    Using your hands, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined and the mixture becomes slightly sticky and cohesive. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes of kneading. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to skewer.

    The kneading process is crucial for developing the texture of the kebab, ensuring it holds together on the skewer.

    Chill Kebab Mixture: 30 minsalad bowl
  3. 3

    Form the Kebabs

    If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to prevent burning. Divide the chilled lamb mixture into 4 equal portions. Take one portion and firmly mold it around a skewer, shaping it into an elongated cylinder, about 2-3 cm thick and 15-20 cm long. Ensure the meat is evenly distributed and tightly pressed onto the skewer to prevent it from falling off during grilling. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

    Wet your hands slightly before handling the meat mixture to prevent sticking.

    Timer: 8 minlollipop stick
  4. 4

    Preheat Grill

    Preheat your grill (charcoal, gas, or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with 15 ml olive oil to prevent sticking.

    A well-oiled, hot grill ensures a good sear and prevents the kebabs from sticking.

    Preheat Grill: 10 mingrill (parrilla)basting brush
  5. 5

    Grill the Kebabs

    Place the formed kebabs on the preheated grill. Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes, until they are beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F).

    Avoid overcooking to keep the lamb juicy. A meat thermometer is helpful for checking doneness.

  6. 6

    Rest and Serve

    Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful kebab. Garnish with 15 g freshly chopped parsley.

    Serve immediately with warm flatbread, a fresh salad, or a cooling yogurt sauce.

    Rest Kebabs: 5 minserving platter

Nutrition

Per serving, across 4 servings.

Nutrition for Spicy Grilled Lamb Kebab, per serving and for the whole recipe
NutrientPer servingWhole recipe
Calories457.1 kcal1828.4 kcal
Protein22.4 g89.6 g
Carbohydrates6.1 g24.4 g
Fat37.7 g150.9 g
Fibre2 g7.8 g
Sodium571.6 mg2286.5 mg

Computed from the matched ingredient data rather than entered by hand, with 100% of ingredients matched. Treat it as a close estimate, not a clinical figure.

How it tastes

Heat 3 of 5from spices, chiliSavorySpicySmokyUmamiEarthyPeppery
Salty
3 out of 5
Sweet
1 out of 5
Umami
4 out of 5
Spicy
3 out of 5
Smoky
4 out of 5
Herbal
2 out of 5
Rich
4 out of 5

Texture

TenderJuicyChewyCrispy

Mood

Street food vibesFamily styleFestive

Good for

DinnerPartyLunch

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Questions about this recipe

How long does Spicy Grilled Lamb Kebab take to make?
About 55 minutes from start to finish. That is 25 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of cooking.
How many calories are in Spicy Grilled Lamb Kebab?
Roughly 457.1 calories per serving, based on 4 servings. Each serving also has 22.4g protein, 6.09g carbohydrates, 37.72g fat. These figures are computed from the matched ingredient data rather than entered by hand.
Is Spicy Grilled Lamb Kebab vegetarian or vegan?
No. This recipe contains meat, poultry or seafood, so it is neither vegetarian nor vegan.
What equipment do I need for Spicy Grilled Lamb Kebab?
salad bowl, grater (if using horseradish), grill (parrilla), Tongs. Every tool the recipe calls for is listed above with the steps that use it.
How spicy is Spicy Grilled Lamb Kebab?
It registers 3 out of 5 on heat. The heat comes from spices, chili.

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