Juicy Kofta Kebab Recipe: Homemade Middle Eastern Delight

Sizzling and packed with aromatic spices, this kofta kebab recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East right to your dinner table.

Tender ground meat blends seamlessly with fragrant herbs and warming spices that dance across your palate.

Each carefully crafted kebab tells a delicious story of culinary tradition and bold seasonings.

The mixture combines perfectly balanced ingredients that promise a mouthwatering experience.

Ground meat seasoned with cumin, parsley, and garlic creates an irresistible base for these succulent kebabs.

Grilled to perfection, these kebabs offer a tantalizing blend of smoky char and rich, complex flavors that will transport you to bustling street markets.

Dive into this recipe and savor every delectable bite of these irresistible kofta kebabs.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Highlights for Kofta Kebab

• Beef, Lamb: Provides rich, deep flavor and juicy texture; choose ground meat with moderate fat content for best results; mix different meats for complex taste profile.
• Bread: Helps bind meat mixture and retain moisture; use day-old bread for optimal absorption; soak and squeeze out excess water thoroughly.

• Onion, Garlic, Parsley: Creates foundational flavor depth; select fresh, firm vegetables for maximum taste; chop finely to distribute evenly throughout meat mixture.

• Spices: Delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile; use freshly ground spices for intense aroma; balance combinations to complement meat's natural taste.

Equipment for Prepping Kofta Kebabs

• Food processor: Essential for quickly chopping onions, garlic, and parsley, and mixing meat ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden skewers: Critical for shaping and grilling the kofta kebabs; soak in water to prevent burning.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine and handle the meat mixture after processing.
• Gas grill: Perfect for cooking kebabs with medium-high heat and creating delicious grilled flavor.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes transfer of raw kebabs easier.
• Sharp knife: Useful for trimming and preparing ingredients before processing.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and handling kebabs on the hot grill.

Kofta Kebabs: Mixing & Grilling Directions

• Skewer Preparation

Grab wooden skewers and soak them in cool water for a relaxed 30-60 minutes before cooking. This prevents burning during grilling.

• Meat Mixture Magic

Toss onion, garlic, and parsley into a food processor. Add ground meat, softened bread, and aromatic spices. Blend until the mixture transforms into a smooth, cohesive paste that promises delicious flavor.

• Kebab Shaping

Gently form the meat mixture around skewers, creating uniform cylinders about finger-width thick. The key is consistent shape for even cooking.

• Grilling Adventure

Heat the grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature. Place kebabs carefully on the grates, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Flip after 4 minutes, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until perfectly done.

• Serving Celebration

Transfer hot kebabs directly from grill to serving plate. Accompany with warm pita, fresh tahini sauce, and your favorite sides. The meal is ready to be enjoyed with friends and family.

Ideas to Personalize Kofta Kebab Flavors

• Achieve perfectly charred kofta kebabs by maintaining consistent medium-high heat and turning skewers only once during cooking.
• Experiment with different meat ratios like 70% beef and 30% lamb, or swap lamb for ground turkey for a leaner version of the kebab.
• Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, or add extra ground cumin and paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Replace meat with a mixture of mashed chickpeas, finely chopped vegetables, and binding ingredients like breadcrumbs and eggs to create plant-based kebab alternatives.
• Prepare uncooked kofta kebabs ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, or freeze for later use by separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Serving Kofta Kebabs with Sauces or Sides

• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create a colorful spread with hummus, olives, cucumber salad, and pickled vegetables surrounding the grilled kofta kebabs for a stunning presentation.
• Family-Style Dinner Approach: Arrange skewers on a large wooden board with warm pita, fresh herbs, and various dipping sauces to encourage interactive and social eating experience.
• Street Food Style Wrap: Stuff warm pita bread with sliced kofta kebabs, drizzle with tahini sauce, add chopped tomatoes and lettuce for a quick and satisfying handheld meal.
• Protein-Packed Salad Bowl: Layer crisp lettuce, grilled kofta pieces, chopped cucumbers, and a zesty yogurt dressing for a light yet filling Mediterranean-inspired lunch option.

Proper Storage Plan for Kofta Kebab Meals

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover kofta kebabs in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap uncooked kofta kebabs individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for convenient meal preparation within 2 months.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated kebabs in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Ingredient Prep Tip: Mix meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing spices to deeply infuse the protein for enhanced taste profiles.

Succulent Kofta Kebab Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lamb kofta kebab showcases Middle Eastern culinary mastery with aromatic spices and grilled perfection. Savory meat blends create a delightful experience you’ll relish with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453.6 g) ground beef
• 0.5 lb (226.8 g) ground lamb
• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 whole bunch of parsley, stems removed (about 2 packed cups parsley leaves)
• 1 slice of bread, toasted until browned and soaked in water until fully tender
• 1.5 tsps ground allspice
• 0.5 tsp ground green cardamom
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
• 0.5 tsp ground sumac
• 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread
• Tahini sauce
• Tomato wedges
• Onion wedges
• More parsley

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Submerge wooden skewers in water for 30-60 minutes to prevent charring during grilling. Preheat gas grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil grates.
2. Flavor Base: Pulse onion, garlic, and parsley in food processor until finely chopped, creating an aromatic herb foundation for the meat mixture.
3. Meat Composition: Combine ground beef, lamb, soaked bread, and spices in food processor, blending until a uniform, cohesive mixture forms with balanced flavors and consistent texture.
4. Shaping Technique: Mold meat mixture around skewers, creating uniform cylindrical kebabs approximately one inch thick, ensuring compact and even formation.
5. Grilling Process: Carefully place skewered kebabs on preheated grill, cooking 4 minutes per side to develop caramelized exterior and achieve rich golden-brown coloration. Rotate once to ensure even cooking and proper internal temperature.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer grilled kofta immediately to serving platter, accompanied by warm pita bread, creamy tahini sauce, and complementary side dishes for a complete Mediterranean culinary experience.

Notes

• Soak Skewers Smartly: Submerge wooden skewers in water for 30-60 minutes to prevent charring and ensure safe, smooth grilling without burnt edges.
• Blend Ingredients Thoroughly: Pulse herbs and meat in food processor until uniform, creating a cohesive mixture that guarantees consistent flavor and texture throughout each kebab.
• Monitor Grilling Carefully: Cook kebabs 4 minutes per side, rotating to achieve golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy, perfectly cooked interior without drying out meat.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Transfer grilled kofta directly to serving platter, pairing with warm pita and tahini sauce to preserve optimal temperature and maximize flavor enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg