Juicy Homemade Kofta Kebab Recipe: Ready in 30 Minutes

Kofta kebabs burst with rich culinary heritage and tantalizing spice blends that capture the essence of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.

These cylindrical meat delicacies represent a perfect harmony of ground protein, aromatic herbs, and carefully balanced seasonings.

Tender and succulent, kofta kebabs enhance simple ingredients into a remarkable dining experience that connects generations of home cooks.

Skilled chefs understand the delicate art of mixing and shaping these flavorful morsels with precision and passion.

Each bite promises a complex profile of warmth, depth, and cultural significance that transcends mere sustenance.

Grilling techniques elevate the fundamental recipe, infusing smoky undertones that complement the intricate spice combinations.

Cultural connections run deep within these beloved street foods, reflecting centuries of culinary craftsmanship and regional variations.

Kofta Kebab: What Makes It a Standout

• Burst with Flavor Fusion: These kofta kebabs pack a delightful punch of Middle Eastern spices that dance across your taste buds, blending perfectly seasoned beef and lamb into one mouthwatering experience.
• Master Grilling Technique Made Easy: The step-by-step method transforms complex kebab-making into a simple process anyone can achieve, with clear instructions that guarantee perfectly grilled meat every single time.
• Quick and Versatile Meal Solution: Ready in under 30 minutes, these kebabs work brilliantly for casual weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or spontaneous backyard cookouts with minimal preparation required.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adaptable with various sides like tahini sauce, pita bread, and fresh salads, these kebabs become a flexible meal that invites personal creativity and different flavor combinations.

Kofta Kebab Ingredient Essentials

• Beef, Lamb: Lean meats with rich flavor, choose freshly ground with moderate fat content for juicy kebabs.

• Bread: Helps bind meat mixture and adds moisture, use day-old soft white bread.

• Onion, Garlic, Parsley: Fresh ingredients that provide depth of flavor and fragrant aroma, choose crisp and vibrant herbs.

• Spices: Add complexity and traditional Middle Eastern taste profile, use freshly ground for maximum flavor.

• Wooden Skewers: Traditional cooking tool for shaping and grilling kebabs, soak in water to prevent burning.

• Pita Bread: Classic Middle Eastern flatbread for serving with kebabs.
• Tahini Sauce: Creamy sauce that complements the grilled meat, provides cool contrast to spicy kebabs.

Instructions for Grilling Perfect Kofta Kebabs

Step 1: Prepare Skewers and Grill

Submerge wooden skewers in water for 30-60 minutes to prevent burning. When ready, lightly oil grill grates and preheat to medium-high heat for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Gather Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Ground lamb
• Bread
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Spices

Prepare side dishes, pita bread, and tahini sauce in advance.

Step 3: Create Meat Mixture

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley

Add ground beef, ground lamb, squeezed bread, and spices. Process until mixture becomes smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Shape Kebabs

Transfer meat mixture to a large bowl. Grab handful portions and carefully mold onto wooden skewers. Ensure each kebab is approximately 1 inch thick for even cooking.

Step 5: Grill Kebabs

Place skewered kebabs on parchment-lined tray. Carefully transfer to preheated grill. Cook for 4 minutes on first side, then flip and grill additional 3-4 minutes until thoroughly cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Immediately serve hot kebabs with warm pita bread, tahini sauce, and prepared side dishes. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional accompaniments as desired.

Best Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Kofta

• Moisture Magic: Squeeze bread crumbs thoroughly to prevent soggy kebabs and ensure a perfect meat texture.
• Chill Before Grilling: Refrigerate meat mixture for 30 minutes to help kebabs hold their shape and prevent falling apart on the grill.
• Uniform Sizing: Maintain consistent 1-inch thickness for even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
• Gentle Handling: Use wet hands when shaping kebabs to prevent meat from sticking and create smoother surfaces.
• Grill Timing Trick: Avoid overcooking by watching grill marks and internal temperature, aiming for juicy, medium doneness around 160°F.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Kofta Kebabs

• Refrigeration: Wrap cooked kofta kebabs tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place kebabs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, ensuring meat remains juicy and tender.
• Microwave Option: Place kebabs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and maintaining meat's moisture.

Delicious Pairings for Kofta Kebab

• Pair with Crisp Mediterranean White Wine: Choose a zesty, light-bodied white like Assyrtiko from Greece or Vermentino from Lebanon, which cut through the rich meat's intensity and complement the herb-packed kofta flavors.
• Serve with Refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Tzatziki: This cool, tangy side dish balances the warm, spiced kebabs perfectly, offering a creamy contrast to the grilled meat's smoky essence.
• Accompany with Fattoush Salad: The bright, herb-laden salad with crispy pita chips provides a crunchy texture and acidic brightness that enhances the kebab's robust meat profile.
• Pour Chilled Lebanese Arak: This anise-flavored spirit cleanses the palate between bites, with its strong, slightly sweet character cutting through the kebab's richness and complementing the Middle Eastern spices.

Twist Ideas for Kofta Kebab Fans

• Spicy Harissa Kofta: Add harissa paste to the meat mixture for a fiery North African flavor profile. Blend in extra chili flakes for increased heat intensity.
• Mediterranean Herb Kofta: Incorporate fresh mint, dill, and oregano into the meat mixture. Swap half the ground beef with ground chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Lentil Kofta: Replace meat with cooked green lentils, bulgur wheat, and finely chopped mushrooms. Use egg as a binding agent and add cumin and coriander for depth.
• Greek-Style Kofta: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano. Serve with tzatziki sauce instead of tahini for a Mediterranean spin.

Kofta Kebab Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Middle Eastern kofta kebabs bring aromatic spices and grilled meat magic to your plate. Juicy lamb blends perfectly with herbs, promising a delicious journey through traditional flavors you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb ground lamb

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 whole bunch of parsley, stems removed (about 2 packed cups parsley leaves)
• 0.5 tsp ground green cardamom

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 slice of bread, toasted until browned and soaked in water until fully tender
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1.5 teaspoons ground allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground sumac
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

For Serving:

• Pita bread
• Tahini sauce
• Tomato wedges
• Onion wedges
• More parsley

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Instructions

1. Immerse wooden skewers in water for 30-60 minutes to prevent burning during grilling, then set aside.
2. Preheat gas grill to medium-high heat, lightly coating grates with oil to ensure smooth cooking surface.
3. Pulse onion, garlic, and parsley in food processor until finely chopped, creating an aromatic herb base.
4. Add ground beef, lamb, soaked bread (thoroughly squeezed), and selected spices to food processor, blending until a uniform, cohesive meat mixture forms.
5. Transfer meat mixture to mixing bowl, preparing to shape kebabs with consistent thickness and texture.
6. Carefully mold meat around skewers, creating cylindrical shapes approximately one inch thick, ensuring even distribution and compact formation.
7. Arrange skewered kebabs on parchment-lined tray, maintaining spacing between each kebab.
8. Position kebabs on preheated grill, cooking for 4 minutes on initial side to develop caramelized exterior.
9. Rotate kebabs, grilling additional 3-4 minutes until meat reaches desired doneness and achieves rich, golden-brown coloration.
10. Immediately transfer grilled kofta to serving platter, accompanying with warm pita bread, creamy tahini sauce, and prepared accompaniments.

Notes

• Prepare all ingredients and equipment beforehand to ensure a smooth, stress-free cooking experience with perfectly grilled kofta kebabs.
• Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning and ensure even, controlled grilling without unexpected flame flare-ups.
• Create a uniform meat mixture by thoroughly processing ingredients, which helps develop rich, well-blended flavors and consistent texture.
• Shape kofta kebabs carefully and maintain a consistent 1-inch thickness to guarantee even cooking and juicy, tender results.
• Monitor grilling time closely, cooking 4 minutes per side at medium-high heat to achieve a deliciously caramelized exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
• Serve immediately with warm pita, fresh tahini sauce, and complementary sides to enjoy the kebabs at their peak temperature and taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg