Print

Juicy Azerbaijani Lula Kebab Recipe with Easy Herb Sumac Salad

Azerbaijani lula kebab - featured image

A flavorful and authentic Azerbaijani lula kebab recipe paired with a tangy herb sumac salad, perfect for grilling and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or a mix of lamb and beef for milder flavor)
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (toasted if possible)
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • Β½ tsp ground black pepper
  • Β½ tsp sumac (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Β½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Β½ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp sumac powder
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Grate the onion using a fine grater and squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, black pepper, sumac (if using), and salt. Mix with hands for 3-4 minutes until well combined and slightly sticky.
  3. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. With wet hands, mold each portion around a skewer into a long oval about 5-6 inches long and 1 inch thick.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush grates with oil.
  5. Grill kebabs for 3-4 minutes per side until evenly charred and cooked through (internal temperature 160Β°F/71Β°C).
  6. While kebabs cook, combine parsley, cilantro, mint, and red onion in a bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, sprinkle sumac, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently.
  7. Serve kebabs immediately off the skewers with the herb sumac salad on the side.

Notes

Keep hands wet when shaping kebabs to prevent sticking. Do not rush shaping to avoid kebabs falling apart. Control grill temperature to avoid burning. Let kebabs rest 3-5 minutes after grilling. If sumac is unavailable, substitute with lemon zest and black pepper.

Nutrition

Keywords: lula kebab, Azerbaijani kebab, grilled lamb, herb sumac salad, Middle Eastern, BBQ, easy kebab recipe