Lamb Kofta Recipe
User Reviews
5
Lamb Kofta Recipe
Description
The recipe uses one pound of ground lamb combined with finely chopped white onion, plain breadcrumbs, fresh cilantro, and minced garlic. A Greek-inspired seasoning blend including coriander, cumin, paprika, oregano, parsley, cinnamon, salt, and pepper is whisked and mixed into the meat. The mixture is formed into eight uniform skewered koftas, shaping them into 4–5 inch cylinders.
You can cook them by pan-frying in oil until browned on all sides, air frying at 400°F for about 7-8 minutes, or grilling over medium-high heat turning for even cooking. They are checked for doneness by the internal temperature. The koftas produce a juicy and flavorful interior with a browned exterior, enhanced by the herb and spice seasoning.
These lamb koftas pair well with tzatziki sauce, adding a cooling, creamy contrast to the spiced meat. They work well for a meal served with flatbread or salad. Their preparation flexibility and seasoning make them a versatile dish for indoor or outdoor cooking.
You can shape the koftas up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator until cooking. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days or may be frozen for up to 3-4 months, though yogurt sauces like tzatziki should not be frozen. Reheat gently to retain moisture.
Ingredients
Lamb Koftas
- 1 pound lamb 80/20 or 85/15, ground
- ½ cup onion finely chopped; white onion
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons cilantro plus more for serving, finely chopped, fresh
- 2 garlic finely minced, cloves
Greek Seasoning Blend
- 2 teaspoons Coriander
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon parsley dried
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Whisk together the Greek seasoning blend in a small bowl.
- Add ground lamb to a large bowl along with the onion, breadcrumbs, cilantro, garlic, and Greek seasonings. Mix by hand until well combined. Divide the meat into 8 equal portions and shape each one into a 4-5 inch long by 1-inch wide cylinder. (If grilling, you will want to do this on wooden skewers.)
- Stovetop: Drizzle a few teaspoons of oil into a large stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over medium high heat. Add 4 koftas and cook for 7-8 minutes in total, turning them over so they brown on all sides. Repeat with remaining koftas.Air Fryer: Place the koftas evenly spaced in a single layer in the bottom of a 6-quart Air Fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.Grill: Place the lamb mixture onto wooden skewers. Cook koftas over medium high heat for 7-8 minutes, turning them as you cook so they brown evenly.You’ll know the koftas are done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
- Serve lamb koftas with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley and a side of tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- Form and chill kofta mixture up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.
- Store cooked koftas in an airtight container refrigerated for 3-4 days or freeze for 3-4 months; avoid freezing yogurt-based tzatziki sauce.
- Reheat using a skillet, microwave, or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8koftas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 232 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 232kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 52mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 433mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 313mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 827IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 66mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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