Print

Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

These Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are flavorful, moist, and packed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. Made with ground beef or lamb, they are shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection, making a perfect dish for a family dinner or a barbecue gathering. Serve them with rice, flatbread, or a cooling tahini or yogurt sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional

  • Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before cooking to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the spices and herbs are evenly incorporated into the meat.
  3. Shape Kofta: Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions. Take each portion and mold it onto a skewer, shaping it into a long, oval kebab that will hold firmly during grilling.
  4. Preheat Grill or Pan: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan surface to ensure the koftas don’t stick and cook evenly.
  5. Cook Kebabs: Place the skewers on the hot grill or pan. Cook the kofta kebabs for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through.
  6. Serve: Serve the kofta kebabs hot, accompanying them with rice, warm flatbread, or a side of tahini or yogurt sauce for added flavor and creaminess.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent burning during grilling.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
  • Ground lamb adds a richer flavor, but ground beef can be used for a lighter taste.
  • Serve with fresh vegetable salads or pickles for a complete Middle Eastern meal.
  • If a grill is not available, the koftas can be cooked under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop.

Keywords: kofta, kebabs, ground beef, lamb, Middle Eastern recipe, grilled kebabs, aromatic spices, skewered meat, summer BBQ, traditional kofta

Find it online: https://jedentaglecker.com/middle-eastern-kofta-kebabs-recipe/