Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs Recipe
These Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are deliciously spiced ground beef or lamb skewers, infused with fresh herbs and warming spices. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, they make a flavorful and satisfying meal served alongside rice or flatbread with a creamy tahini or yogurt sauce.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 kebabs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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)
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with grated onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley and cilantro, and all the spices including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated.
- Form Kebabs: Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions. Mold each portion firmly around a skewer shaping into a long, oval kebab form.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Grill Kebabs: Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly and are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot with accompaniments such as rice, flatbread, or a side of tahini or yogurt sauce.
Notes
- For juicier kebabs, gently handle the meat mixture without overworking it.
- Wooden skewers must be soaked to avoid burning; metal skewers do not require soaking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired heat level.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Keywords: Kofta kebabs, Middle Eastern kebabs, grilled meat skewers, ground beef kebabs, lamb kofta, spiced meat skewers