Zesty Mexican-Spiced Lamb Skewers
Indulge in the bold flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with these Zesty Mexican-Spiced Lamb Skewers. This recipe features tender chunks of boneless leg of lamb marinated in a vibrant and spicy paste made from rehydrated ancho chiles, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime juice. The marinade is infused with aromatic spices and a hint of garlic, creating a delightful blend that harmonizes beautifully with the rich flavor of the lamb. Grill these skewers to perfection for a smoky and slightly charred finish, then serve them wrapped in warm tortillas alongside classic sides of beans and rice. For a customizable heat level, experiment with different types of chiles, making this dish adaptable for all spice tolerances. Ideal for a festive gathering or a lively weeknight dinner, these skewers are sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried ancho chile
1 (seeded, deveined, torn into pieces)
Cilantro
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Green jalapeno chiles
2 (halved, seeded and deveined (optional))
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Canola oil
2 teaspoons (none)
Coarse salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Boneless leg of lamb
1 1/2 lbs (well-trimmed, cubed (2 inches))
Red onion
1 (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
Fresh cilantro sprigs
for garnish (none)
Lime wedges
for garnish (none)
Instructions
1
Boil water in a small bowl and soak the dried ancho chile for 30 minutes until it is soft. Remove the chile, reserving the soaking liquid, and strain it.
2
In a blender, combine the softened ancho chile with chopped cilantro, onion, lime juice, jalapenos (if using), garlic, canola oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Blend into a smooth paste, adding the reserved soaking liquid as necessary to achieve a thick yet pourable consistency.
3
Place the cubed lamb meat and red onion pieces in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over them and seal the bag, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Refrigerate for 2 hours, turning occasionally to allow for even marinating.
4
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the lamb and onion from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off; discard the unused marinade.
5
Thread the marinated lamb and onion pieces alternately onto four 12-inch metal skewers.
6
Grill the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, covered, turning occasionally, until the lamb is browned on all sides and reaches a perfect pink center.
7
Garnish the grilled skewers with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges before serving. Enjoy wrapped in warm tortillas alongside beans and rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Mexican-Spiced Lamb Skewers?
These are grilled skewers featuring tender chunks of boneless leg of lamb marinated in a vibrant paste made from ancho chiles, cilantro, and lime juice.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of well-trimmed boneless leg of lamb, cut into 2-inch cubes.
How do I prepare the dried ancho chile?
You should seed, devein, and tear the chile into pieces, then soak it in boiling water for 30 minutes until soft.
How long should the lamb marinate?
The lamb and red onion pieces should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of softened ancho chile, cilantro, onion, lime juice, optional jalapenos, garlic, canola oil, salt, pepper, and ground cinnamon.
How do I cook the skewers?
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes while covered, turning them occasionally.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
What should I serve with these lamb skewers?
They are traditionally served wrapped in warm tortillas with sides of beans and rice.
Can I make the dish less spicy?
Yes, you can omit the optional jalapenos or choose milder chiles to customize the heat level.
How do I know when the lamb is done?
The lamb is ready when it is browned on the outside and reaches a perfect pink center.
What kind of skewers should I use?
The recipe recommends using four 12-inch metal skewers.
Do I need to save the chile soaking liquid?
Yes, reserve and strain the soaking liquid to help achieve a thick yet pourable consistency in the blender.
How should the red onion be prepared for the skewers?
The red onion should be cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
Should the marinade be reused?
No, you should discard any unused marinade after removing the meat and onions.
What is the purpose of the cinnamon in the recipe?
Ground cinnamon is added to the marinade to provide an aromatic spice layer that complements the lamb.
What oil is best for the marinade?
The recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of canola oil.
How do I garnish the skewers?
Garnish the finished skewers with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges.
Is the cilantro used in the marinade chopped?
Yes, use 1 cup of coarsely chopped cilantro for the marinade paste.
How many jalapenos are used if I want more spice?
The recipe suggests using 2 green jalapeno chiles, halved and seeded.
Can I prepare the marinade in a blender?
Yes, all marinade ingredients should be blended until they form a smooth paste.
How do I ensure the lamb marinates evenly?
Place the lamb in a resealable plastic bag and turn it occasionally while it is in the refrigerator.
Are the skewers covered during grilling?
Yes, keep the grill covered while cooking the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes.
What size should the lamb cubes be?
The lamb should be cut into approximately 2-inch cubes.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is zesty, smoky, and slightly charred with rich flavors of ancho chile and fresh lime.
Is the garlic fresh?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove.
What type of salt is used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of coarse salt.
How should I arrange the food on the skewers?
Thread the marinated lamb and red onion pieces alternately onto the skewers.
Should I drain the marinade before grilling?
Yes, let the excess marinade drip off before placing the skewers on the grill.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Is this recipe suitable for a festive gathering?
Yes, these skewers are ideal for festive gatherings or lively weeknight dinners.