Grilled Lamb and Cantaloupe Skewers with Refreshing Mint Honey Glaze
This vibrant recipe features tender lamb interspersed with juicy cantaloupe, all enhanced by a refreshing minted honey marinade. Ideal for summer cookouts, these skewers offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, making them an instant hit at outdoor gatherings or picnics. Pair them with your choice of grilled vegetables or fresh salads like Greek salad or mixed greens for a complete meal. The preparation time includes marinating the lamb to ensure maximum flavor infusion, and it’s easy to pack for a day out. Just remember to bring your favorite portable grill or take advantage of grills at picnic sites to enjoy this delicious dish fresh off the heat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean boneless leg of lamb or boneless loin lamb
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes)
fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup (loosely packed)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (none)
red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
honey
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
cantaloupe
1 small (peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes)
Instructions
1
Cut the lamb into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes and place them in a glass bowl.
2
In a blender, combine the fresh mint leaves, vegetable oil, red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar), lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Blend until smooth to create a marinade.
3
Pour the mixture over the lamb cubes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
4
Once marinated, drain the lamb and reserve the marinade for basting.
5
Peel the cantaloupe and cut it into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.
6
Thread the marinated lamb and cantaloupe pieces alternately onto thin, sharp skewers.
7
For optimal preparation, the skewers can be made ahead of time. Arrange them on a baking sheet with the reserved marinade spooned over the top, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
8
When ready to grill, bring the kabobs to room temperature for 30 minutes.
9
Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly grease the grill grate to prevent sticking.
10
Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of lamb is recommended for these skewers?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean boneless leg of lamb or boneless loin lamb cut into 1-inch cubes.
What size should the lamb and cantaloupe cubes be?
Both the lamb and the cantaloupe should be cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes for even cooking and threading.
What ingredients are used to make the mint honey glaze?
The glaze and marinade consist of fresh mint leaves, vegetable oil, red wine or balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
How is the marinade prepared?
Combine the mint, oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, mustard, and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.
How long does the lamb need to marinate?
The lamb should marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, but can be refrigerated for up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Should I marinate the meat in the refrigerator?
Yes, place the lamb and marinade in a glass bowl, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator.
What should I do with the marinade after the lamb is finished soaking?
Drain the lamb but reserve the marinade mixture to use for basting the skewers while they grill.
How do I assemble the skewers?
Alternately thread the marinated lamb cubes and the fresh cantaloupe cubes onto thin, sharp skewers.
Can these skewers be made in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers, spoon the reserved marinade over them, and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before cooking.
Is it necessary to bring the skewers to room temperature before grilling?
Yes, you should bring the kabobs to room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to placing them on the grill.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
Preheat your grill to medium heat for the best results.
How do I stop the meat from sticking to the grill?
Lightly grease the grill grate before you begin cooking the skewers.
How long does it take to grill the lamb and cantaloupe skewers?
The skewers typically take about 5 minutes to cook on the grill.
Do I need to turn the skewers while they are cooking?
Yes, turn the skewers occasionally during the 5-minute cooking time to ensure they are evenly grilled.
When should I use the reserved marinade?
Use the reserved marinade to baste the skewers while they are on the grill to add moisture and flavor.
Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
Yes, balsamic vinegar is a suitable substitute for red wine vinegar in this marinade.
What type of cantaloupe is needed?
The recipe requires one small cantaloupe that has been peeled and cubed.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor profile.
How much honey is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of honey to create the sweet glaze.
What kind of mustard should be used?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
Are these skewers suitable for picnics?
Yes, they are excellent for picnics as they can be prepared ahead and cooked on-site using portable grills.
What side dishes pair well with this lamb recipe?
They go well with grilled vegetables, a fresh Greek salad, or a simple bed of mixed greens.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy, featuring lean protein and fresh fruit with a homemade herb-based glaze.
How much black pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Can I use boneless loin lamb instead of leg of lamb?
Yes, either lean boneless leg of lamb or boneless loin lamb will work for this dish.
What container is best for marinating the lamb?
A glass bowl is recommended for marinating the lamb cubes.
How much oil is needed for the marinade?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How should the mint leaves be measured?
You should use 1/4 cup of loosely packed fresh mint leaves.
Why is the glaze described as refreshing?
The combination of fresh mint and lemon juice provides a bright, refreshing taste that complements the savory lamb.
Can I cook these on a portable grill?
Absolutely, these are ideal for outdoor cooking on portable grills at parks or picnic sites.