Escape to the sunny shores of Greece with these incredibly tender and flavorful lamb skewers! Forget hours of marinating; this clever Instant Pot recipe infuses bite-sized lamb with aromatic rosemary and cumin in minutes. Paired with sweet cherry tomatoes and crisp onion, these skewers are a perfect, speedy weeknight dinner or a star appetizer for your next gathering. Get ready for a taste of the Mediterranean, made effortlessly simple.
Ingredients
• For the Skewers
• 1 lb / 450g lamb loin, chopped into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, cut into wedges
• 1 cup / 150g cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup / 240ml beef broth
• 1 tbsp / 15g butter
• ½ cup / 15g fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
• For the Spices
• ½ tsp / 2.5g salt
• ½ tsp / 1g dried rosemary
• 1 tsp / 2g cumin powder
• ¼ tsp / 1g garlic powder
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Place the chopped lamb and beef broth into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the steam release handle to the ‘Sealing’ position.2. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button and set the timer to 7 minutes on high pressure.3. While the lamb cooks, soak at least 8-12 wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning.4. Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release. Open the lid, then remove and drain the lamb, discarding the cooking liquid.5. In a mixing bowl, toss the warm lamb with the salt, dried rosemary, cumin powder, and garlic powder until evenly coated.6. Thread the seasoned lamb, onion wedges, and cherry tomatoes alternately onto the soaked skewers.7. Select the ‘Sauté’ function on the Instant Pot and allow it to heat up. Add the butter to the pot.8. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the skewers in the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned and sizzling.9. Remove the skewers from the pot, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Facts
• Per Serving: Calories 268 | Total Fats: 11.7g | Net Carbs: 3.6g | Protein: 34g | Fiber: 1.4g
Pro Tips
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when sautéing. Cook the skewers in batches to ensure they get a beautiful, even browning on all sides.
• For an extra burst of authentic Greek flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skewers just before serving.
• Feel free to customize your skewers by adding other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini chunks.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe
A: Yes, while lamb loin is recommended for its tenderness, you could also use a well-trimmed leg of lamb or sirloin cut into 1-inch cubes. Tougher cuts may require a slightly longer pressure cooking time.
Q: What can I serve with these lamb skewers
A: These skewers are perfect with classic Mediterranean sides like a fresh Greek salad, warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce for dipping, or a side of lemon rice or couscous.
Q: Do I have to soak the wooden skewers
A: Soaking the wooden skewers in water for at least 15-20 minutes is highly recommended. This prevents them from burning or charring when you sauté the skewers in the hot Instant Pot.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the skewers
A: Absolutely! As mentioned in the pro tips, feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like chunks of bell pepper (any color) or zucchini between the pieces of lamb for extra flavor and color.
