Description
Flavorful ground beef seasoned with Mediterranean spices, shaped onto skewers, and grilled to a juicy, smoky finish. A fantastic option for a hearty meal or a BBQ!
Ingredients
For the Beef Kofta Kebabs:
- 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 ratio for juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped or grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional for added color)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for binding the mixture)
- 1 egg (to help bind the mixture)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)
For the Yogurt Sauce (optional, for dipping):
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Add the fresh parsley and cilantro, followed by the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and turmeric (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Next, add the egg and olive oil to the mixture. The egg will help bind the ingredients together, while the olive oil adds moisture and tenderness to the kebabs. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients until everything is well incorporated.
The mixture should be firm but slightly moist. If it feels too dry, add a small drizzle of olive oil; if it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or more ground beef until you achieve the right consistency.
Once the beef mixture is ready, divide it into equal portions (about 12-14 pieces, depending on how thick you want the kebabs to be). With damp hands, shape each portion into an oval or cylindrical shape, about 4-5 inches long. Gently press the mixture onto skewers, ensuring that the meat is evenly distributed and sticks well to the skewer. This step is key to ensuring the kebabs don’t fall apart during cooking.
If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning during cooking.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C) if using an outdoor grill. If you’re cooking indoors, heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. You want the surface to be hot enough to sear the kebabs quickly but not too hot to burn them.
Once the grill or skillet is hot, place the kebabs on the cooking surface. If grilling, cook the kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side, turning them gently to avoid breaking. Grill them until they are golden brown and slightly charred on the outside, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The total cooking time should be around 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the kebabs and the heat level.
If cooking in a skillet, lightly coat the pan with a bit of olive oil and cook the kebabs for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are fully browned and cooked through.
Once the kebabs are cooked through, remove them from the grill or skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each kebab is tender and juicy.
While the kebabs are resting, prepare the yogurt sauce by combining the plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh mint, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well combined. This cooling sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced kebabs and enhances their flavor.
To serve, arrange the Beef Kofta Kebabs on a platter. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the kebabs with the yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. These kebabs pair wonderfully with rice, couscous, or pita bread, and can also be served with a fresh salad, such as a cucumber-tomato salad or tabbouleh, for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 3-5g
- Protein: 22-25g