Meat on a stick – a tastey trick. Simple. Fast. Delicious.

Lamb Sosaties (skewered lamb or lamb kebab) hold a special place in South African cooking. They are flavourful, colourful, and often prepared for gatherings where good food and good company come together. Each skewer brings a mix of tender lamb, gentle spices, and a touch of sweetness that feels comforting and familiar. Whether grilled at a braai or cooked under the oven grill, lamb sosaties always make an impression.

The tradition of sosaties reaches back to Cape Malay cooking, where the balance of sweet and savoury flavours was celebrated. Over time, this style of marinating and skewering meat has become a favourite across the country. The lamb is usually marinated overnight, allowing the spices, fruit chutney, and aromatics to soak in fully. As a result, the meat cooks beautifully — tender, fragrant, and deeply seasoned.

The addition of dried apricots or pieces of fruit adds a pleasant sweetness. This sweetness lifts the spices and pairs well with the richness of the lamb. Onions and peppers offer colour and crunch, making the skewers both vibrant and satisfying. Each component enhances the next, creating a harmonious dish that is simple to prepare yet impressive to serve.

Lamb sosaties are versatile too. They can be enjoyed with rice, pap, salads, or warm breads. Because of this flexibility, they fit easily into both casual meals and festive celebrations. The skewers also cook quickly, which makes them ideal for busy days when something flavourful is still desired.

At The Healthy Springbok, we keep the essence of traditional sosaties while using balanced portions, leaner cuts of lamb, and wholesome ingredients in the marinade. This approach preserves the classic taste while keeping the dish lighter and more nourishing.

From the first fragrant bite to the final smoky aroma from the grill, Lamb Sosaties offer a taste of South African heritage — warm, inviting, and always enjoyed best in good company.

Lamb Sosaties

Sweet-spicy skewered lamb kebabs.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: South African

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 800 g lamb cubes
• 1 large onion sliced
• 1 cup apricot jam or chutney
• ½ cup vinegar
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp oil
• Dried apricots optional, for skewers

Equipment

• 4 Skewers
• Grill/Braai Tongs
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Basting brush

Method

 

1. Mix marinade: chutney, vinegar, curry powder, sugar, turmeric, oil.
2. Layer lamb and onion in dish; pour marinade over.
3. Marinate overnight.
4. Thread lamb, onion, and dried apricots onto skewers.
5. Braai or grill 10–12 min, turning and basting frequently.

Notes

Serve with yellow rice↗ or pap ↗and a crisp salad.

Nutrition (per serving):
 Calories: 410 | Protein: 34g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 15g | Fibre: 2g