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Dairy Free
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Gluten Free
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Nut Free
Juicy Lula Kebabs Baked in the Oven (Lamb Kebabs)
This baked lamb kebab recipe is the simplest way to make juicy kebabs in the oven! Known as lula, kofta, or lulya kebabs – depending on the region – this dish is made of high-quality minced or ground lamb, bacon, and spices. All you have to do is combine the meat mixture, put it on skewers, and bake! Enjoy this succulent lamb with a side, use it in a wrap, or eat it straight off the skewer!
Why You’ll Love This Lamb Kebab Recipe
Calling all lamb lovers! I have an easy way for you to whip up dinner in no time. This lamb kebab recipe calls for simple ingredients that will perfectly enhance the flavor of the meat. Mix everything together in a single bowl, shape it into a kebab, and then bake. It’s as easy as that!
You’re going to love how the tiny pieces of bacon elevate the already incredible flavor of the lamb, and the fact that you can just throw these skewers in the oven to bake makes it so easy. You can (and should) also make the meat mixture ahead of time so it’s ready to skewer and cook.
This delicious lamb dish would pair perfectly with a yogurt dipping sauce, or served alongside your favorite salad. I have a few other lamb serving suggestions for you too! (LINK)
Key Ingredients
There are so many different varieties of kebabs (or kabobs) throughout different regions and cultures in our world, and lamb is one of my favorites. This recipe calls for simple ingredients, but it’s important to keep in mind that the lamb meat itself is the most important. You can’t skimp on quality!
Lamb – When you have good quality meat, you don’t need to add an excessive amount of spices and herbs to make it delicious. I consider humanely raised and ethically sourced lamb meat the best quality. Hormone-free lambs that were given a healthy diet make a big difference when it comes to producing succulent and tender meat. If you cannot find good ground lamb meat, a boneless leg of lamb is a great option. With a good knife, mince it well on a cutting board along with the bacon.
Bacon – To keep things consistent, I like to use lamb bacon when I can. I get it from the Seven Sons company. However, regular pork or beef bacon will work great for this lamb kebab recipe too.
Onion – chopped
Cilantro – Freshly chopped leaves.
Spices – Some salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin are the traditional Middle Eastern spices that you need. Add coriander and sumac to the Lula kebab meat for a more distinct flavor.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
How To Make This Juicy Baked Lamb Kebab Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by chopping your cilantro, onion, and bacon into very small pieces. If you are using a leg of lamb, this is when you should mince it.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium-large sized bowl, mix together the ground lamb, chopped cilantro, onion, bacon, and the spices.
Step 3: Mix, Mix, Mix!
This step is crucial! Mix the meat for a solid 5 minutes by hand. Shape it into a ball and throw it into a dish or a cutting board 5-7 times. This process starts a chemical reaction that’ll keep your kebab attached to the skewers and prevent it from falling apart.
Note: If you’re doubling the recipe, double the number of times you mix and throw.
Step 4: Refrigerate
Put the ball of meat in a bowl and refrigerate it for another. This step also helps keep the meat together and prevent it from falling apart while baking.
Step 5: Preheat
While the lamb is refrigerating, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 6: Skewer
Remove the meat from the fridge, divide it into four parts, and put it on skewers. Place the kebabs on an oven-safe baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the kebabs with foil and bake them for 35 minutes.
Note: You can also grill these kebabs if you want!
Step 8: Broil
Take the foil off and broil them for another 5 minutes. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Yes follow up until the baking step and just put them on the grill covered with foil for 35 minutes instead of in the oven. Take the foil off and continue to grill for an additional 5 mins.
This recipe keeps the lamb moist for you! All of the ingredients that you mix with the meat tenderize it and keep it moist for a juicy result! Refrigerating it is also an important step to keep the meat moist.
This lamb kebab recipe is best served immediately, but if you have leftovers you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for about 3 days. Heat them in the microwave to enjoy.
What to Serve With Lamb
- Start with some yummy appetizers! Try these baked zucchini crisps or a simple herb and eggplant appetizer with walnuts.
- As for sides, you can serve your lula kebabs with Simple Homemade Buttery Mashed Potatoes or this Easy Roasted Okra with Simple Yogurt Dipping Sauce.
- If you’re interested in a salad, try this refreshing olivier salad or a quick and creamy avocado and tomato salad with cucumber.
- Finish your meal with something sweet like homemade affogato, a zebra cake, or this simple Russian layered honey cake!
More Lamb Recipes to Try
- Make this hearty soup with lamb instead of beef for an additional layer of flavor.
- Shepherd’s Pie isn’t just made with beef – you can swap in lamb to try something new.
- Grilled lamb chops will satisfy your tastebud and make a delicious dinner the whole family will love.
- This one-pot hearty soup with lamb and herbs is one of the best winter comfort foods!
Tasty lamb recipes
If you tried this Juicy Baked Lamb Kebab Recipe (aka Lula and Kofta kebabs) or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Juicy Baked Lamb Kebab Recipe (aka Lula and Kofta kebabs)
Equipment
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Meat grinder
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bowl
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Skewers
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Foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- ½ onion, chopped
- 3 slices bacon, chopped, uncooked
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1 small handful cilantro, chopped
- 1 pinch cumin, optional
Instructions
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Prepare your ingredients by chopping cilantro, onion, and bacon into very small pieces.½ onion,, 1 small handful cilantro,, 3 slices bacon,
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In a bowl mix together ground lamb and the chopped cilantro, onion, and bacon.1 lb ground lamb
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Add sea salt, black pepper, and cumin (optional).½ tsp salt,, ½ tsp black pepper,, 1 pinch cumin,
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This next step is very important. Keep mixing the meat mix for 5 minutes by hand, shape it into a ball, and start throwing it into a dish or cutting board, doing so 5-7 times. This will start a chemical reaction that will keep your kebab attached to skewers and prevent it from falling apart. ( If doubling the recipe, double the amount of times you mix and throw).
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Refrigerate meat for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
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Take meat out of the refrigerator, divide it into four parts, and put on the skewers.
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Lay the skewers on a baking sheet and cover with foil for 35 minutes. (You can also grill instead of baking the lulya kebab.)
- Take the foil off and broil for another 5 minutes. Enjoy!