Imam Bayildi with BBQ Lamb & Tzatziki Recipe

Authentic Turkish Lamb recipe — Imam bayildi with BBQ lamb & tzatziki. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Imam Bayildi with BBQ Lamb & Tzatziki Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 medium eggplants (sliced in half lengthwise)
  • 500 grams lamb shoulder (cubed)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
  • 1 medium cucumber (grated for tzatziki)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced for tzatziki)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (for lamb marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (for lamb marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped for tzatziki)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tzatziki)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Prepare the Lamb

    Marinate the lamb cubes in olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes.

    For best results, marinate overnight.
  2. Grill the Lamb

    Preheat the grill and cook the marinated lamb over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.

    Turn the lamb pieces occasionally for even cooking.
  3. Prepare the Eggplants

    Brush the eggplant halves with olive oil, season with salt, and place them on the grill cut-side down. Grill until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

    You can also roast them in the oven if preferred.
  4. Make the Tzatziki

    In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

    Let it sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
  5. Serve

    Serve the grilled lamb over the grilled eggplants and drizzle with tzatziki.

    Garnish with extra dill or parsley for a fresh touch.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Serve with warm pita bread for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your turkish meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Pita bread
🍽️Fresh salad with sumac
🍽️Cacık (yogurt dip)

About This Dish

Imam Bayildi with BBQ Lamb & Tzatziki Recipe is a beloved dish from Turkish cuisine.

Turkish cuisine is a fascinating blend of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences. It's considered one of the three great cuisines in the world alongside French and Chinese.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use lamb chops or leg of lamb if preferred.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories550kcal
Total Fat40gg
Sodium700mgmg
Total Carbohydrates20gg
Dietary Fiber5gg
Total Sugars4gg
Protein35gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineTurkish
CategoryGrilled