Go Back
Beef kofta

beef kofta

Beef kofta offers a flavorful and lighter twist on classic beef skewers, packed with spices and ideal for a healthy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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 ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Preheat your grill or oven to high (about 220°C/425°F). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, chili powder, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and half the olive oil. Mix everything well until evenly incorporated.
  3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion around a skewer, forming long, oval koftas. Compress gently so the meat holds together.
  4. Place the kofta skewers on a tray or plate and brush them lightly with the remaining olive oil.
  5. Grill or roast the beef kofta for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until browned outside and cooked through. They should be juicy and slightly charred at the edges.
  6. Serve hot with parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy your flavorful beef kofta straight from the grill!

Notes

Beef kofta is a beloved dish across the Middle East and North Africa, celebrated for its irresistible aroma, complex spices, and versatile serving options. Whether served at a festive gathering or for an easy weeknight meal, kofta’s combination of juicy beef and bold herbs offers a delightful change from classic grilled options.

Tips for Making Perfect Beef Kofta

Mixing the beef gently is essential for tender kofta. Overworking the meat can make it tough, so blend until just combined. If you find your mixture is too soft to hold onto skewers, refrigerate it for 20 minutes; this helps it firm up and makes shaping much easier.
Don’t have skewers? You can shape the mixture into meatballs or patties and cook them the same way—perfect for stuffing in pitas or topping salads.

Substitutions & Variations

  • If you’d like a lighter flavor, swap part of the beef for ground lamb or even ground turkey.
  • Fresh cilantro can be used in place of, or in addition to, parsley for a different green brightness.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch more chili powder or a bit of finely chopped fresh chili.

Serving Suggestions

Savor your beef kofta with warm flatbreads, a fresh cucumber-tomato salad, and creamy yogurt sauce (tzatziki works wonderfully). Pairing with rice pilaf or roasted vegetables creates a balanced and complete meal. For an impressive party platter, offer a variety of dips—like hummus or baba ganoush—alongside your kofta skewers.

Preparation Insights

Grilling yields the classic charred flavor, but kofta also turns out delicious when broiled or baked. If using an oven, place skewers on a wire rack over a tray so air circulates and browning is even. Always brush the kofta with a little olive oil before cooking to lock in moisture and boost browning.
Experiment, make it your own, and enjoy sharing this Middle Eastern staple with family and friends!