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Lamb Over Rice
Zoey

Lamb Over Rice

A flavorful and hearty dish inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Tender, spiced lamb is served over fluffy basmati or jasmine rice, topped with creamy garlic sauce, fresh herbs, and optional hot sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb lamb shoulder or leg (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ cup basmati or jasmine rice
  • 2 ¼ cups water
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup plain yoghurt (Greek yoghurt works well)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro (chopped)
  • Pickled onions
  • Lemon wedges
  • Hot sauce

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Grill
  • slow cooker
  • Pot
  • Bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Marinate the lamb: In a bowl, combine cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a paste. Coat the lamb pieces evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
  2. Cook the lamb: Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the lamb onto skewers and grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked to your desired doneness. Sautéing: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the lamb for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Slow-Cooking: Place the marinated lamb in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours for fall-apart tenderness.
  3. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  4. Make the creamy garlic sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, yoghurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  5. Assemble the dish: Layer a serving of fluffy rice in a bowl. Top with the cooked lamb. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and optional hot sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs, pickled onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice.