Grilled Kofta Kebab Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
184 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Grilled Kofta Kebab Recipe
Description
The recipe combines lean ground beef with aromatics like minced garlic and chopped onion, plus a blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, Aleppo pepper, cinnamon, and sumac. Breadcrumbs add binding and tenderness, while parsley contributes herbal brightness. The mixture is chilled to help it firm up before shaping onto skewers, which are soaked first to prevent burning during grilling.
Grilled over medium-high heat and brushed with moisture, the koftas develop a slightly crisp, browned exterior while remaining juicy inside. The multiple flips during grilling help maintain shape and even cooking. This dish is typically served with pita bread, cucumber, tomato, tahini sauce, and fresh herbs, creating a balanced plate of savory meat and cool accompaniments.
These kebabs can be formed into patties if skewers are not available. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to three days and reheat gently to preserve texture. The flavors intensify after resting, making them suitable for make-ahead meals or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef 85% lean
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parsley chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp Coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Aleppo pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp sumac
Serve with
- pita bread
- cucumber
- tomato
- tahini sauce
- herbs
Instructions
- Place the ground beef, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, parsley, and spices in a food processor and blend until all is well combined. Rest this mixture for 1 hour in the fridge.
- Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes in cold water. Preheat the grill to medium high. Cut a potato in half and rub it on the grill grates. The starch in the potatoes make the grates nonstick.
- Wet your hands with cold water. Grab a fistful of the beef mixture and mold it around the skewer. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture and make sure to wet your hands every time.
- Grill on medium high for 3-4 minutes on each side. Flip a couple of times so they don't fall apart.
Notes
- You may combine ingredients by hand instead of using a food processor if preferred.
- Prepare the meat mixture up to a day in advance and keep refrigerated until grilling.
- Omitting skewers and shaping the mixture into patties is an alternative cooking method.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 250°F for 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 184 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 184kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 497mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 483mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 691IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 38mg | 4% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.