
Grilled Lamb Skewers with Apricots, Zucchini, and Saffron Lemon Honey Marinade
Original lamb skewers marinated with saffron, lemon, garlic, and honey, threaded with fresh apricots, zucchini, and red onion, then grilled until juicy and lightly caramelized.
Ingredients
- 700 g boneless leg of lamb, cubed (1.25 inch)
- 4 unit fresh apricots (cut por the mitad and boneless)
- 250 g zucchini (en medias lunas gruesas)
- 180 g red onion (en trozos large)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 30 ml honey
- 30 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 g lemon zest
- 12 g garlic (chopped fino)
- 0.25 g saffron threads (machacadas)
- 3 g ground cumin
- 2 g black pepper
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 15 g fresh parsley (chopped)
- 35 g toasted pistachios (chopped gruesos)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, about 450 °F / 230 °C.
- 2
In a large bowl, mix 30 ml olive oil, honey, lemon juice and zest, garlic, saffron, cumin, black pepper, and 6 g salt until well combined.
- 3
Add the lamb cubes to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Let stand for 15 minutes in a cool spot while you prepare the vegetables and fruit.
- 4
In another bowl, toss the zucchini, red onion, and apricots with the remaining 15 ml olive oil and 2 g salt.
- 5
Thread the skewers, alternating lamb, zucchini, red onion, and apricot halves until all ingredients are used.
- 6
Clean and lightly oil the grill grates. Place the skewers on the grill at 450 °F / 230 °C.
- 7
Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until the lamb is browned at the edges and reaches an internal temperature of 145 °F / 63 °C for medium, and the zucchini and apricots are lightly charred.
- 8
Transfer the skewers to a platter and let rest for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted pistachios before serving.
Chef tips
For deeper flavor, you can marinate the lamb for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Do not exceed that time so the lemon does not overly affect the texture. For a shinier finish, brush the skewers with the platter juices right after grilling.
Substitutions
You can substitute firm peaches for the apricots, and toasted almonds for the pistachios if preferred. If you do not have saffron, use a small pinch of sweet paprika, though the flavor profile will change.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Smoked Pineapple and Mustard-Lime Glaze
45 min

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Green Apple, Red Onion, and Cider Tarragon Mustard Marinade
46 min

Grilled Salmon Skewers with Cucumber, Red Onion, and Honey-Dill Lemon Glaze
35 min

Grilled Short Ribs with Coffee, Cocoa, and Charred Scallions
55 min

Grilled Pork Skewers with Smoked Pears and Thyme-Honey Cider Marinade
48 min

Grilled Beef Skewers with Kabocha Squash, Spring Onions, and Ancho-Mandarin Oregano Marinade
50 min