If you’re craving real Middle Eastern flavor, this smoky grilled kofta kebabs recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here’s everything you need to make it right at home.
Kofta Kebab combines seasoned ground beef and lamb with onion, parsley, and warm spices, shaped onto skewers and grilled until deeply charred outside and juicy within.
Ready in about 32 minutes from start to finish, this beginner-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 11 everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of Middle Eastern dish worth putting into regular rotation.
Why this recipe works:
- A blend of beef and lamb with onion, parsley, and warm spices gives real depth that ground beef alone can’t match.
- Grilling over direct heat chars the outside while keeping the inside juicy, the way it’s done at Middle Eastern grill houses.
- Shaping and grilling is a simple, hands-on process for a beginner, ready in about 32 minutes.
- Makes 4 servings, easy to scale up for a backyard cookout.
✅ Quick Tip: Squeezing the grated onion dry keeps the mixture firm enough to hold its shape on the skewer without falling apart. Resist flipping too early — let the first side develop a proper sear before turning, which also makes food release from the grates naturally.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, warm pita, and a side of tzatziki or garlic sauce.
Smoky Grilled Kofta Kebabs
Ingredients:
Instructions
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Before you start, gather and prep all 11 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
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Combine beef, lamb, onion, parsley, garlic, and all spices in a bowl.
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Mix just until combined.
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Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
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Shape the mixture around flat skewers into long oval patties.
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Grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
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Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Smoky Grilled Kofta Kebabs.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 95mg32%
- Sodium 520mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 26g52%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Squeezing the grated onion dry keeps the mixture firm enough to hold its shape on the skewer without falling apart. Resist flipping too early - let the first side develop a proper sear before turning, which also makes food release from the grates naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only beef instead of a beef-lamb mix?
Yes, all beef works fine, though the lamb adds a richer, more traditional flavor.
Do I need flat skewers?
Flat metal skewers help the kofta hold its shape better than round ones, which can spin the meat while grilling.
Can I bake kofta instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 425F for about 18-20 minutes, turning once.
