Tandir Kebab Recipe
Introduction
Tandir Kebab is a tender, flavorful lamb dish slow-cooked to perfection. This traditional recipe uses a yogurt-based marinade and gentle roasting to create succulent meat that’s perfect for a hearty meal.

Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Cut slits in the lamb shoulder and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Step 4: Place the marinated lamb in a roasting pan with the sliced onions underneath. Cover tightly with foil.
- Step 5: Roast in the preheated oven for about 3 hours until the lamb is fork-tender.
- Step 6: Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with rice or flatbreads.
Tips & Variations
- Use bone-in lamb for extra flavor and moisture during roasting.
- Marinate the lamb overnight to deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
- Serve with grilled vegetables or fresh herbs to brighten the dish.
Storage
Store leftover lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture. The meat can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless lamb instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless lamb can be used, but bone-in cuts provide richer flavor and help keep the meat moist during slow roasting.
Is there a substitute for yogurt in the marinade?
You can substitute plain yogurt with buttermilk or a mixture of sour cream and milk for similar tenderizing effects, though the flavor may vary slightly.
PrintTandir Kebab Recipe
Tandir Kebab is a tender, slow-roasted lamb shoulder marinated in a flavorful blend of yogurt, garlic, spices, and lemon juice. This traditional dish delivers juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s perfect served with rice or flatbreads, offering a delicious taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Lamb and Marinade
- 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional
- 1 large onion, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Lamb: Cut slits into the lamb shoulder to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply. Thoroughly coat the lamb with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for slow roasting.
- Prepare Roasting Pan: Place sliced onions in the bottom of a roasting pan and lay the marinated lamb on top. Cover the pan tightly with foil to retain moisture during cooking.
- Roast Lamb: Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for approximately 3 hours, or until the meat is tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: After roasting, allow the lamb to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm accompanied by rice or flatbreads for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the lamb overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Using bone-in lamb shoulder adds extra flavor and helps retain moisture during roasting.
- Ensure the roasting pan is covered tightly with foil to keep the lamb juicy.
- Resting the meat before slicing allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent kebab.
- You can adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
Keywords: Tandir Kebab, lamb kebab, slow roasted lamb, Middle Eastern lamb recipe, yogurt marinated lamb, tender lamb shoulder

