Description
This Beef Kofta recipe features flavorful, spiced ground beef shaped into kebabs and grilled to juicy perfection. Infused with fresh herbs and warm spices, these koftas are perfect for serving with pita bread, yogurt sauce, and fresh vegetables for a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb (450 g) Ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 medium Yellow onion (grated)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- ½ cup Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh mint (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs (optional, if mixture is wet)
- 1 Egg (for binding)
Spices
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon (pinch)
- ¼–½ tsp Cayenne pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep: Grate the yellow onion finely, mince the garlic cloves, and chop the fresh parsley and mint herbs to prepare all aromatics and herbs needed for the mix.
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, egg, breadcrumbs (if using), and all the spices. Thoroughly mix with your hands until the mixture is smooth and paste-like, ensuring even distribution of flavors and herbs.
- Shape: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then firmly mold the beef mixture around skewers, forming sausage-shaped kebabs approximately 4 inches long. Ensure they are compact for even cooking.
- Grill: Preheat your grill or a skillet on medium-high heat. Place the skewers and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning carefully to avoid breaking. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safely cooked.
- Serve: Let the koftas rest for 2 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. Serve warm with pita bread, yogurt sauce, and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using an 80/20 beef blend ensures enough fat for juicy and flavorful koftas.
- Breadcrumbs are optional; add only if the mixture feels too loose to hold shape.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat according to your taste preferences.
- Resting the koftas before serving helps keep them tender and moist.
- Grilling imparts a smoky flavor but you can also cook them in a skillet if a grill is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Beef Kofta, Grilled Kofta, Middle Eastern Kebabs, Spiced Ground Beef, Kofta Recipe, Grilled Meat Skewers
