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Grilled Kofta kebabs

Kofta Kebabs are a popular Middle Eastern dish made with beef, veal, lamb or combination and filled with mint, garlic and spices. A simple weeknight meal that is deliciously exotic!

Close up of two kofta kebabs on a grey plate with some more in the background as well as dipping sauce

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During the summer months we grill on the barbecue as much as possible and making kebabs is always a favourite. There is something special about meat on a skewer that makes it feel like summer.

These Grilled Kofta Kebabs are sort of like a hamburger but wrapped around a skewer and filled with unique flavours and perfect for dipping in Homemade Tzatziki Sauce. They take only about 10 minutes to prepare and can be eaten on the stick, wrapped in a pita (take off the stick) or over a salad.

Ingredients needed for Kofta Kebabs

A bowl filled with all the ingredients needed to make beef koftas.

Speaking of sticks I should be clear I do not mean sticks you picked up in the forest. Look for barbecue skewers at your local grocery store. They come in various sizes but my family likes the longer ones that let me make the skewers bigger. You can also get metal skewers that can be reused.

Since you are barbecuing the skewers with the meat you need to prepare the skewers ahead of time. Allow wooden skewers to sit in clean water for about 10 minutes before adding the meat or veggies to any skewer. This way the skewers won’t set on fire while cooking!

I like to use deep cake pan with water but any deep-sided dish will do. Just make sure the entire skewer can be soaked not just the tips.

A cake pan filled with water and wood skewers for soaking

Then to make this kofta kebab recipe all you need to do is throw all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix by hand until combined.

Be sure not to over mix otherwise the kofta will become dry and tough. Just enough so that the ingredients are combined and you can form a long tube of meat with your hands.

A glass bowl filled with a koft recipe on a white table

When done mixing I like to first make a ball of the beef mixture like you would a hamburger and then mold it to form a longer ball. Once that is done carefully insert the skewer through the centre and set aside while your grill heat to medium-high heat.

Raw kofta skewers on a dark wood cutting board on a white table

The portion of kofta meat on each skewer will depend on the size of your skewers and personal preference for how you want them to look or be portioned out. I have used 2 lbs of beef for this recipe which for our family preferences makes about 10 skewers.

If you have a smaller household simply cut the recipe in half if you like. Or make this recipe and freeze the other half for another time.

Kofta skewers on a grey plate and some nearby on a dark wood cutting board with a white cloth napkin

Some of our favourite sides to serve with this Kofta Recipe are:

How to store kofta kebab leftovers

If you have some leftover store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can you freeze this kofta recipe?

Yes, absolutely! In fact I highly encourage you to make more than you need and freeze some for a quick weeknight dinner. They freeze just like a hamburger would. Make them as instructed and place the skewer through the centre. Then store in a large airtight container with each layer separated by wax paper for up to 2 months.

Pull out what you need and place on the barbecue on medium-high heat like you would a hamburger and grill for about 7 minutes per side if completely frozen or until the internal temperature reaches 160 F.

A wood board filled with grilled kofta skewers

what kind of beef should I use?

I like to use lean ground beef because it is a bit healthier of course but it still has a little fat so that the hamburger meat does not taste dry.

Alternatively, you can also use ground lamb, and or veal as well. We like to use 2/3 ground beef and 1/3 ground lamb when we can find it.

Close up of two kofta kebabs on a grey plate with some more in the background as well as dipping sauce

Grilled Kofta Kebabs

Alisa Infanti
Kofta Kebabs are a popular Middle Eastern dish made with beef, veal, lamb or combination and filled with mint, garlic and spices. A simple weeknight meal that is deliciously exotic!
4.89 from 9 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Servings 10 skewers
Calories 264 kcal

Equipment

  • 10-12 skewers for grilling
  • Large Bowl
  • Knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cup
  • Barbecue

Ingredients
  

  • 10-12 wood or metal grilling skewers
  • 2 lbs lean ground beef can use lamb and or veal as well
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 slices whole wheat bread torn into tiny pieces by hand
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup fresh mint finely chopped
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat.
  • Place skewers in a water bath for 10 minutes to avoid skewers from burning. This step is not necessary if using metal skewers.
  • Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix by hand. Form into meat balls and then roll into long skinny tubes. Thread the skewer through the centre of each and set aside.
  • Grill over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature has reached 160F. Serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 3.8gProtein: 17.7gFat: 19.3gSaturated Fat: 7.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 8.5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 335mgPotassium: 294mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 121IUVitamin C: 0.8mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Storage:
Store any cooked kofta kebabs remaining in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 days.  Freeze uncooked for up to 2 months.
 
Please Note:

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Pinterest pin showing skewers of beef kofta grilled.

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11 Comments

  1. It is really irritating that you show the videos on how to make something but do not let me download them for later reference. Maybe I don’t want to make Asian Cucumber Salad today but I would like to try it next Thursday. Mel Heinrichs

    1. Hi Mel,

      Yes, unfortunately, there is no way to download the video because it is a Youtube video. However, there are a few simple options. One you can right click and copy the video address and save it for future reference in an email to yourself of you can also follow my youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeLAJcTsx-Mddkarz3TyYVw where you can save any video you like to your own playlist. All of my recipes are right there. I also have a link to my Youtube channel on my website. Alternatively here is the link to the recipe itself with the video in the post that you can save or pin to Pinterest for future reference. https://thedeliciousspoon.com/asian-cucumber-salad/.

      Please let me know what you think of the Asian Cucumber Salad. It is by far my post popular recipe!

  2. We were going to have tacos for dinner, but I saw this recipe, so changed the plan. It’s a great flavor combination and something a little different. I plan to make this regularly at home and think it would be great for a casual company dinner. Your recommendation to serve with Tzatziki Sauce is perfect!

  3. 5 stars
    I have been having some fun during quarantine in the kitchen! Using the time to make new to me recipe. I made this today and it was delish! The entire family loved it!

4.89 from 9 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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