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beef kofta

beef kofta

Beef kofta, the classic Middle Eastern meatball, delivers juicy, spiced flavor in every bite for a healthy, delicious meal.
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 unit onion finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your grill or oven to high heat (about 220°C/428°F).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
  3. With damp hands, shape the mixture into oval-shaped meatballs or onto skewers, about 8–10 pieces.
  4. Brush each kofta with olive oil to keep them juicy during cooking.
  5. Grill or bake for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and cooked through.
  6. Let the beef kofta rest for a few minutes before serving to keep them juicy.

Notes

Beef kofta is a wonderfully versatile dish that appears at both busy family dinners and festive gatherings across the Middle East. Its popularity comes from a combination of succulent texture and fragrant spices, making it a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly quick to prepare.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Kofta

  • Don't over-mix the meat: Combine the ingredients until just incorporated. Overworking ground beef can make the kofta dense instead of tender.
  • Moisten your hands with a little water or olive oil before shaping the kofta. This prevents sticking and helps you form uniform, compact skewers or patties.
  • If you can't find allspice or fresh parsley, substitute with fresh cilantro or a pinch of nutmeg for a slightly different flavor twist.

Preparation Techniques Worth Knowing

  • Chill the kofta before grilling: If you have time, let them rest in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
  • For extra juiciness, you can add a tablespoon of yogurt to the meat mixture or use a blend of beef and lamb for a classic variation.
  • Using flat, wide skewers helps the kofta cook evenly and keeps them from spinning or breaking apart on the grill.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

  • Serve your beef kofta with warm pita bread, fresh tabbouleh, or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad to balance the spices.
  • Drizzle with tahini sauce or a squeeze of lemon just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
  • For a different twist, add chopped mint to the mixture or swap out beef for ground chicken or turkey.
Whether you’re making beef kofta for a simple weekday meal or serving guests, these practical tips will help you achieve a dish that's both authentic and unforgettable.