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Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs Recipe

4.9 from 106 reviews

These Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are flavorful ground beef or lamb patties seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and fresh herbs. Skewered and grilled to perfection, they make a delicious and authentic kebab dish perfect for a hearty meal served alongside rice, flatbread, and sauces like tahini or yogurt.

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

Other

  • Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

  1. Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, and all spices. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Shape Kebabs: Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions. Mold each portion onto a skewer, shaping into a long, oval kebab shape, ensuring they are compact to hold together while cooking.
  4. Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill Kebabs: Place the skewered koftas on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly and cook through.
  6. Serve: Serve the kebabs hot, ideally accompanied by rice, flatbread, and dips such as tahini or yogurt sauce for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
  • Use a mix of beef and lamb for a richer flavor.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control spice level or omit if preferred mild.
  • If no grill is available, broiling in the oven works well as an alternative.
  • For extra moisture, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.

Keywords: Kofta, Kebabs, Grilled Meat, Middle Eastern Recipe, Ground Beef, Ground Lamb, Spiced Meat Skewers