Kofta Kebab
Discover the delicious flavors of Lebanese cuisine with this authentic Kofta Kebab recipe. Juicy ground beef mixed with fresh parsley, finely chopped onion, and aromatic seven spice, then grilled to perfection. A perfect dish for gatherings, served with warm pita and your favorite sides. Easy, flavorful, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
Do you have any leftover ground beef that won't fit on the skewers? Use it to make my delicious Lebanese Meatballs in tomato sauce (Dawood Basha).
And next time you are in the mood for some Kofta, give this oven-baked kofta variation a try!
Ingredients
Time
- Total:
- 18m
- Prep:
- 3m
- Cook:
- 15m
- Extra:
- plus 30 mins in the fridge
- Ground beef, 1 lb (500 g)
- White Onion, 1 medium
- Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup
- 7-Spice mix, 2 tbsp
- Salt, 1 tsp (or to taste)
Nutrition Facts
| Total Fat 4.5g | 7% |
| Saturated 1.8g | 9% |
| Omega-3 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 18.8g | 6% |
| Total Carbohydrates 1.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fibers 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugars 0.3g | 0% |
| Protein 5.8g | 13% |
| Vitamin A 37.5mg | 5% |
| Iron 0.8mg | 5% |
| Vitamin C 2.5mg | 3% |
| Sodium 125mg | 5% |
Instructions
Step 1
Finely chop the onion and parsley.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, parsley, 7-spice, salt, and ground beef. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
I like to combine all the ingredients except for the ground beef first and then add the mince. This method makes it easier to get the meat salted throughout.
Step 2
Take a handful of the meat mixture and shape it into a long sausage-like form around a skewer.
Press firmly to ensure the meat adheres to the skewer.
Repeat with the remaining meat mixture.
Step 3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
Place the koftas on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside.
If you want to use the oven, see the FAQ section below, where I tell you exactly how.
Step 4
Remove the koftas from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serve hot with pita bread, lemon slices, tzatziki sauce, and a side of fresh salad.
Goes well with
Try my Lebanese Green Bean Stew if you want a heartwarming side dish for your sizzling Kofta!
FAQ
Can I use lamb instead of beef?
Yes, traditional kofta kebabs often use lamb. You can substitute ground lamb for beef in this recipe.
You can even use a 50/50 mix of both to get the benefits of both: leaner beef and more flavourful lamb.
How can I replace 7-Spice when making Kofta?
Seven spice is a blend of spices commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine: allspice, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, cumin, and nutmeg.
You can mix these spices (or as many as you have at hand) in equal measure.
Can I bake the koftas instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) fan-mode for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Turn them once halfway through to ensure they are evenly grilled all over.
How do I prevent the koftas from falling off the skewer?
Make sure to press the meat mixture firmly onto the skewers and chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before grilling to help them hold their shape.
What can I serve with kofta kebabs?
Kofta kebabs pair well with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, hummus, tabbouleh, and a fresh salad.
Can I store leftover kofta?
To store kofta kebabs properly, allow them to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
If you want to store them longer, place the cooled koftas on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, making sure to keep them separate.
To reheat, you can use a pan preheated with a little oil or the oven.