Author:
Kevin Curry
Easy Kofta Kebab Recipe
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Want a change up from the usual burger recipe for the grill? Then you may want to try kofta kebabs!
Kofta kebabs are a delicious and oftentimes healthier substitute for burgers that instantly add variety to your diet.
A little background…
Kofta kebab is a Middle Eastern dish that consists of seasoned ground meat, typically beef or lamb, formed into oblong-shaped balls, skewered and then grilled or baked. It should be noted that several other cultures in North Africa enjoy a version of kofta as well.
Think of them as “long burgers” instead of traditional round patties! They are easy to make and can be served as a main dish or even as appetizers (if you make them a bit smaller).
I love these as a healthful alternative to burgers for many reasons, but here are 4 that may convince you to try:
- Leanness – Unlike traditional burgers, which are typically made with fatty ground beef, kofta kebabs can be made with leaner cuts of meat, such as ground turkey or chicken. This makes them lower in fat and calories, which is ideal if you are counting your macros to adhere to a strict diet. Can burgers be made with lean protein too? Of course! But they just aren’t nearly as fun as this football shaped goodness!
- High in protein – Kofta kebabs are a great source of protein, which is essential for repairing and building muscles. A 3-ounce serving of kofta kebab contains about 22 grams of protein, which is more protein than a 3-ounce serving of a traditional beef burger.
- Flavor FULL – One of the distinct characteristics kofta kebabs have over traditional burgers is the unique pairing of spices and flavors! They are seasoned with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, paprika and even cinnamon, which gives them a delicious flavor without the need for additional toppings or sauces.
- Versatile – Kofta kebabs can be made with a variety of meats, and you can also add vegetables, such as onions and peppers, to the mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
This kofta kebab recipe is pretty simple, features common ingredients and can be done on a grill, oven or stovetop!
Easy Kofta Kebab Recipe
Ingredients
Substitution
Note
Koftas
- 1lb 90% lean beef (or turkey)
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons oregano (or dried herb of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
Garlicky Tahini Sauce
- 5 tablespoons tahini
- juice from 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 1/4 cup water
- sea salt & pepper to taste
Pitas
- 4 (whole wheat) small pitas
- 4 servings tomato herb salad, shirazi, or tomato slices
- 1 small cucumber, slices
- 4 servings garlic tahini sauce
Steps
Step 1
In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the koftas, being careful not to over mix using your hands. Cover and allow the meat to marinate for 20 minutes to bring to room temperature. Alternatively, you can make this ahead of time and season the night prior.
Step 2
Mix together the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.n. Continue to add tablespoons of water until you reach your desired level of consistency.
Step 3
Fire up the grill and bring the temperature between 400F / 204C and 450F / 232C.
Step 4
Evenly divide the meat mixture into 4 round balls. Use a skewer to pierce the heat and form an oblong shape, kinda like a football, around the skewer about 3-4 inches long.
Step 5
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 – 12 minutes, or until you reach your desired doneness.
Step 6
Enjoy with pita, cucumbers, tomatoes (or tomato herb salad or shirazi), and garlicky tahini.
If you’re making this for meal prep, then keep the pita separate.
Want more Beef recipes?
Slow Cooked Pulled Lamb Meal Prep
Best Bison Burger Recipe
Easy Kofta Kebab Recipe
Kevin Curry
Koftas
- 1lb 90% lean beef (or turkey)
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons oregano (or dried herb of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
Garlicky Tahini Sauce
- 5 tablespoons tahini
- juice from 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 1/4 cup water
- sea salt & pepper to taste
Pitas
- 4 (whole wheat) small pitas
- 4 servings tomato herb salad, shirazi, or tomato slices
- 1 small cucumber, slices
- 4 servings garlic tahini sauce
-
In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the koftas, being careful not to over mix using your hands. Cover and allow the meat to marinate for 20 minutes to bring to room temperature. Alternatively, you can make this ahead of time and season the night prior.
-
Mix together the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.n. Continue to add tablespoons of water until you reach your desired level of consistency.
-
Fire up the grill and bring the temperature between 400F / 204C and 450F / 232C.
-
Evenly divide the meat mixture into 4 round balls. Use a skewer to pierce the heat and form an oblong shape, kinda like a football, around the skewer about 3-4 inches long.
-
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 – 12 minutes, or until you reach your desired doneness.
-
Enjoy with pita, cucumbers, tomatoes (or tomato herb salad or shirazi), and garlicky tahini.
If you’re making this for meal prep, then keep the pita separate.
Nutrition per serving
Reviews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hey, I'm Kevin
My name is Kevin. My life changed when I realized that healthy living is a lifelong journey, mainly won by having a well-balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle.
By experimenting in the kitchen and sharing my meals on Tumblr, I learned healthy eating is not boring! By making a few adjustments to my favorite foods, I could design a diet that could help me achieve my wellness goals while satisfying my desire for BANGIN food! 😅 Now I try to help people around the world realize that same level of freedom in eating regardless of budget. Welcome, let's #DemocratizeWellness together!
May 30 2023
This is an excellent recipe! Thanks for sharing it with us!!!!
you’re very welcome! glad you enjoy it too!
Oct 12 2023
Good
Thanks.