Juicy & Flavorful Lamb Kebabs in Under 30 Minutes!
Craving the rich, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern street food but short on time? Look no further! This Instant Pot Lamb Kebab recipe delivers incredibly tender, juicy results without the need for a grill. By combining ground lamb with a touch of ground beef, we create a perfectly balanced texture that’s rich but not overly gamey. The simple, vibrant tomato sauce comes together right in the same pot, making this a fantastic one-pot meal for any busy weeknight. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 450g ground lamb
• 9 oz / 255g ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• ½ large eggplant, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup / 75g onions, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 tbsp / 45ml olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 3 tbsp / 42g butter
• ½ cup / 120g sugar-free diced canned tomatoes
• 1 tsp / 6g salt
• 1 tsp / 2g ground cumin
• 1 tsp / 1g dried oregano, plus a pinch for the sauce
• 1 tbsp / 7g cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp / 3g chili powder
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, ground beef, chopped onions, crushed garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and chili powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, then shape the mixture into uniform, bite-sized meatballs.2. Carefully thread the meatballs onto soaked wooden skewers, alternating with the eggplant cubes. Lightly drizzle the assembled skewers with a bit more olive oil.3. Plug in your Instant Pot and press the ‘Sauté’ button. Allow it to heat up, then add the butter to the inner pot to melt.4. Working in two batches to avoid overcrowding, place the skewers in the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.5. Once all skewers are cooked, remove them and set aside. Add the diced tomatoes to the hot pot, seasoning with a pinch of salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to create a quick sauce.6. Press the ‘Cancel’ button to turn off the heat.7. Arrange the lamb kebabs on a serving platter and generously drizzle the warm tomato sauce over the top before serving.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Per Serving
• Calories: 419
• Total Fat: 25.3g
• Net Carbs: 3g
• Protein: 41.9g
• Fiber: 2.1g
Pro Tips
• For Perfect Kebabs
• If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning in the hot pot.
• For the most tender kebabs, mix the meat mixture with your hands only until the are evenly distributed. Overworking the meat can make it tough.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot. Searing the skewers in batches ensures each one gets a deep, flavorful brown crust, which is essential for great taste and texture.
• The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cayenne, which is quite spicy. For a milder flavor, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust according to your heat preference.
FAQ
Q: Why mix ground beef with the ground lamb
A: Combining ground beef with the lamb creates a perfectly balanced texture. It ensures the kebabs are rich and juicy but not overly gamey, which can sometimes happen when using only lamb.
Q: Can I make these lamb kebabs without an Instant Pot
A: Yes, you can. The ‘Sauté’ function is similar to a standard stovetop pan. Simply sear the kebabs in a large, hot skillet with butter or oil for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
Q: Are these lamb kebabs very spicy
A: As written with 1 tablespoon of cayenne, the kebabs are quite spicy. For a milder flavor, we recommend starting with just ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and adjusting it to your personal heat preference.
Q: Do I have to use skewers for this recipe
A: No, skewers are not essential. You can simply form the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs or small patties and sauté them directly in the Instant Pot. This will not change the cooking time or flavor.
