Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with bold herbs and warm spices
- Juicy and tender texture from seasoned ground beef
- Perfect for grilling or cooking in a skillet
- Great for gatherings, barbecues, or weeknight meals
- Pairs well with many sides and sauces
- Easy to customize with different spices
- Quick to prepare with simple ingredients
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef
garlic, minced
onion, finely grated
fresh parsley, chopped
fresh cilantro, chopped
ground cumin
ground coriander
paprika
ground cinnamon
salt
black pepper
olive oil
flatbread or pita bread, for serving
tomatoes, sliced
cucumber, sliced
red onion, thinly sliced
yogurt sauce or tzatziki, optional
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, grated onion, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions.
- Shape each portion around a skewer into a long, sausage-like shape, pressing gently so the meat sticks well to the skewer.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Place the kofta kebabs on the grill and cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Grill until the outside is nicely charred and the meat is fully cooked.
- Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with flatbread, fresh vegetables, and yogurt sauce if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
You can substitute ground lamb for ground beef for a more traditional flavor. A mixture of lamb and beef also works well and adds richness.
For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
If you do not have skewers, shape the mixture into small oval patties and cook them in a skillet or grill pan.
You can also add finely chopped mint or additional herbs to give the kofta a brighter flavor.
For a low-carb serving option, serve the kebabs over a salad instead of flatbread.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover kofta kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through.
Cooked kofta can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What is kofta?
Kofta is a dish made from ground meat mixed with herbs and spices, commonly shaped into balls or logs and grilled or cooked in various cuisines.
Can I make kofta without skewers?
Yes, you can shape the mixture into small patties or logs and cook them in a skillet or grill pan.
What type of meat works best for kofta?
Ground beef, lamb, or a mixture of both works best for juicy and flavorful kofta.
How do I keep kofta from falling off the skewers?
Press the meat firmly around the skewers and chill the shaped kebabs for about 15 minutes before grilling.
Can I bake kofta instead of grilling?
Yes, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes.
What sauces go well with kofta kebabs?
Yogurt sauce, tzatziki, tahini sauce, or garlic sauce pair well with kofta.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the meat mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What side dishes go well with kofta?
Rice, couscous, grilled vegetables, salads, and flatbread are great options.
Can I freeze uncooked kofta?
Yes, shape the kofta and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
How do I know when kofta is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) and the meat should be browned throughout.
Conclusion
Grilled Beef Kofta Kebabs are a delicious and aromatic dish that highlights the rich flavors of herbs and spices combined with juicy grilled meat. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving with fresh vegetables and warm flatbread, this recipe is a great way to bring bold, globally inspired flavors to your table.
PrintGrilled Beef Kofta Kebabs
Grilled Beef Kofta Kebabs are juicy, herb-packed skewers of seasoned ground beef grilled until lightly charred and smoky. This Middle Eastern–inspired dish is rich with warm spices and delicious served with flatbread, fresh vegetables, and yogurt sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Paprika
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Flatbread or pita bread, for serving
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Yogurt sauce or tzatziki (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, grated onion, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently until the ingredients are evenly combined without overworking the meat.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions.
- Shape each portion around a skewer into a long sausage-like shape, pressing firmly so the meat sticks to the skewer.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Place the kofta kebabs on the grill.
- Cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Grill until nicely charred on the outside and fully cooked inside.
- Remove from the grill and allow the kebabs to rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with flatbread, sliced vegetables, and yogurt sauce if desired.
Notes
- Ground lamb or a mixture of lamb and beef can be used for a more traditional flavor.
- Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
- If skewers are unavailable, shape the mixture into small oval patties and cook in a skillet or grill pan.
- Fresh mint can be added for a brighter herbal flavor.
- Serve over a salad instead of flatbread for a lower-carb option.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze cooked kofta for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
