To achieve a nice char on lamb skewers when grilling them, here are some tips:
Choose the right cut of lamb: Opt for cuts that are suitable for grilling, such as lamb leg or lamb shoulder. These cuts have enough fat marbling to keep the meat moist while developing a flavorful char.
Marinate the lamb: Marinating the lamb before grilling can enhance its flavor and promote caramelization. Use a marinade with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices. Let the lamb marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to high heat before adding the skewers. This helps create a searing surface for the lamb and promotes caramelization.
Use skewers and soak them: Thread the marinated lamb onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Soaking wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning.
Oil the grill grates: Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the lamb from sticking and facilitate easy flipping.
Direct and indirect grilling: Start by searing the lamb skewers over direct high heat for a few minutes on each side to create a char. Then, move the skewers to indirect heat or lower the heat to medium and continue grilling until the lamb reaches your desired level of doneness.
Avoid excessive flipping: Resist the temptation to flip the skewers too frequently. Allow the lamb to sear on one side for a few minutes to develop a good char before flipping them over.
Monitor the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb. For medium-rare, aim for around 135-140°F (57-60°C). Remember that lamb continues to cook slightly after being removed from the heat, so consider this when determining the cooking time.
Rest the lamb: Once the lamb skewers are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
By following these steps, you can achieve a nicely charred exterior on your lamb skewers while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.