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Beef kofta

beef kofta

Beef kofta for a healthier dinner. Simple, protein-packed, and delicious—all with that irresistible touch of Mediterranean spices.
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g lean ground beef
  • 0.5 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 smoked paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Shape the mixture into small oval or cylindrical patties, about the size of your palm. For traditional style, mold them around skewers.
  3. Brush each kofta with a bit of olive oil for extra juiciness.
  4. Heat a grill, grill pan, or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the koftas for 2–3 minutes per side, turning until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes total.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and your favorite accompaniments like grilled veggies or yogurt sauce.

Notes

Beef kofta is a beloved staple across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern tables, known for its versatility and incredible flavor. Whether prepared for a quick family dinner or served as part of a vibrant mezze, this dish adapts beautifully to every occasion and is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Practical Tips for Flavorful Koftas

  • Use freshly ground beef, ideally with a bit of fat for maximum juiciness. Too lean, and your koftas may turn out dry. If 80/20 isn’t available, drizzle a little extra olive oil into the mix.
  • Mix gently. Overworking the meat can make koftas dense. Combine just until the ingredients come together evenly.
  • If you’re grilling with skewers, soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before shaping the meat around them. This prevents burning and helps the koftas cook evenly.

Easy Ingredient Swaps & Creative Variations

  • No beef? Try lamb for authentic richness or ground chicken/turkey for a lighter option.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat, or swap parsley for fresh cilantro to brighten the flavor.
  • Feel free to mix in chopped veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for a nutritional boost.

Expert Preparation Techniques

  • Chilling the mixture for 20–30 minutes in the fridge will help hold the shape during cooking and intensify the flavors.
  • For super tender koftas, you can blend the onion and parsley into a paste before mixing with the meat, which helps keep everything moist and well-distributed.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate the Experience

  • Pair beef kofta with grilled vegetables, warm pita bread, and tangy yogurt sauce for a complete meal.
  • Consider adding sides like tabbouleh, roasted potatoes, or a simple tomato-cucumber salad for a fresh, colorful plate.
  • Warm leftovers make excellent pita sandwiches with greens and a drizzle of tahini or hummus.
With these tips, you’ll have juicy, aromatic beef koftas that bring a true taste of the Mediterranean to your table!