Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that brings together heady spices, juicy meat, and loads of vibrant flavor, Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are absolutely unbeatable. These kebabs are a staple street food across the Middle East, loved for their tender texture and the irresistible aroma of fresh herbs mingling with warm spices. Whether you’re grilling outdoors for a summer gathering or whipping up a family dinner that makes weeknights feel special, Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs promise to transport your tastebuds with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs lies in the simplicity and thoughtful balance of every ingredient. Each one plays a key role in building those unmistakable layers of flavor, aroma, and juicy goodness from the first bite to the last morsel.
- Ground Beef or Lamb (1 pound): Classic kofta uses lamb or a mixture of lamb and beef for rich, juicy kebabs that stay tender on the grill.
- Onion (1/2 small, grated or minced): Adds moisture and a sweet foundation that binds the mixture without overpowering the spices.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A little punch of garlic infuses the kebabs with unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): This green favorite adds a burst of color and a grassy, fresh note that balances the warmth of the spices.
- Fresh Mint (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): A refreshing, aromatic lift that brightens up every bite. Highly recommended!
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Deep, earthy undertones that form the backbone of Middle Eastern kofta seasoning.
- Ground Coriander (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle citrus and a little nuttiness, enhancing all of the other spices.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint transforms the mixture with warmth and Middle Eastern charm.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For rich color and a gentle, sweet smokiness.
- Ground Allspice (1/4 teaspoon): A dash here brings a touch of complexity and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skimp here!
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little sharpness to balance the deeper spices.
- Olive Oil (for brushing): Helps prevent sticking and gives the kebabs a gorgeous char and sheen.
How to Make Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Start by placing your ground meat in a large bowl. Add your grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped mint if you’re using it. Sprinkle in all the spices—cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, allspice, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy about mixing; use your hands or a sturdy spoon to really blend everything together until the mixture feels uniform and sticky. This ensures every kebab has a perfect balance of flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Shape the Kofta Kebabs
Once your mixture is ready, divide it into eight equal portions. Take each portion and form it around a metal or presoaked wooden skewer, shaping it into a long, oval patty—think of it like an elongated meatball. Don’t worry about perfection; a little rustic charm is what homemade Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are all about. Set them onto a tray as you go, making sure they’re securely clinging to the skewers.
Step 3: Chill for Great Texture
Cover the tray of formed koftas with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This extra step gives the meat time to firm up, ensuring your kebabs hold their shape and don’t fall apart on the grill. Trust me, it’s worth the tiny wait!
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush each kebab with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote that gorgeous golden char. Place the skewers on the grill, and cook for four to five minutes per side, flipping just once for even searing. The kofta should be deeply browned on the outside but still juicy inside—don’t overcook! If you’re using the oven, place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Serve With Style
Slide those sizzling Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs straight onto a serving platter. They’re best enjoyed hot, with fluffy pita, a dollop of tzatziki or tahini sauce, and a vivid salad of fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Every bite is pure celebration!
How to Serve Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs
Garnishes
The right garnish takes Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs from delicious to downright irresistible. Try sprinkling with extra chopped parsley or mint, a few pinches of sumac for citrusy tang, or slivers of red onion for a little zip. A drizzle of creamy tahini or tangy yogurt sauce adds lushness you’ll love.
Side Dishes
Nothing rounds out your kofta kebab feast like a spread of classic sides. Warm, pillowy pita bread is a must for scooping and wrapping. Pair with a crisp Greek salad, buttered rice pilaf, or a refreshing tabbouleh. Don’t forget pickled veggies and hummus for color and extra layers of flavor!
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun, tuck your kofta kebabs into build-your-own wraps with plenty of fixings so everyone can customize. Or serve them de-skewered over a big platter of herbed rice, surrounded by roasted veggies and dotted with sauce. For parties, try making bite-sized kofta meatballs and serve them with toothpicks and dipping sauces for irresistible finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days and can be enjoyed cold with salads or easily reheated for another delicious meal.
Freezing
Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are a meal prep dream! You can freeze them raw—just shape and lay them out on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. Or freeze cooked kebabs, wrapping them tightly. They’ll keep for up to three months either way, making quick weeknight dinners a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place kebabs on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Microwaving also works in a pinch, though the texture is best preserved with the oven. For even juicier results, brush with a bit of olive oil before reheating. Just heat until warmed through—overcooking can dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use only beef or only lamb for this recipe?
Absolutely! Either ground beef or ground lamb will work beautifully, though a mixture is traditional and adds a deeper flavor. If you prefer just one meat, simply use a full pound of your choice and you’ll still get flavorful, juicy Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs.
What if I don’t have skewers?
No problem at all. You can shape the mixture into patties, sausages, or even small meatballs. Simply cook them on a grill pan or in the oven as directed. The skewers are for tradition and ease of flipping, but the taste will still be incredible either way.
Can I make Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can shape the kebabs up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This not only saves time but also helps the flavors meld and the kofta hold its shape during cooking.
How do I keep the kebabs from falling apart?
The biggest trick is making sure your meat mixture is well combined and nicely chilled before grilling. Squeezing out excess liquid from the grated onion helps, and chilling the shaped kofta for at least 30 minutes makes a world of difference. If your mixture seems very loose, adding an extra spoonful of breadcrumbs can help with binding.
Are these kebabs gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes, Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, as long as you serve them with gluten-free sides. No filler ingredients like breadcrumbs or cheese are needed, so they fit a variety of dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try these Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs as I am to share them. They’re packed with comforting spices, fresh herbs, and plenty of crowd-pleasing flavor. Give them a go at your next cookout or family dinner and watch everyone come back for seconds—you might just find a new favorite in your rotation!
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Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus optional chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines ground beef or lamb with a blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings. Perfect for grilling, these kebabs are juicy and tender, making them a delightful addition to any barbecue or gathering.
Ingredients
For the Kofta:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- 1/2 small onion, grated or finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, mint (if using), and all the spices. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into an oval patty around a metal or soaked wooden skewer.
- Refrigerate the formed kebabs for 30 minutes to help hold their shape.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the kofta with olive oil and grill for 4–5 minutes per side, until fully cooked and charred.
- Serve hot with pita bread, tzatziki or tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For oven cooking, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve over rice or in wraps for a complete meal.
- You can shape the mixture into meatballs or patties if not using skewers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 kebabs
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
