Description
These Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are flavorful ground meat skewers blended with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and grilled to perfection. Perfect for a delicious and authentic grilled meal, they pair wonderfully with pita bread, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, and all the spices. Mix thoroughly until well combined, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the Koftas: Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions. Take each portion and mold it carefully around a skewer into a log or oval shape, compressing the meat enough to hold on the skewer but not too tight.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and to help achieve a nice sear on the koftas.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. The kebabs should be cooked through with a nicely charred exterior.
- Rest the Kebabs: Remove the koftas from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicy bite.
- Serve: Serve the kofta kebabs hot with accompaniments like warm pita bread, tahini sauce, or on a bed of rice along with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference or omit if you prefer milder kebabs.
- You can substitute ground beef with lamb or a mixture of both for more authentic flavors.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges to add a bright flavor contrast.
- Make sure not to overcompress the meat around the skewers to keep the kebabs tender.
