What is beef kofta made of?

Beef kofta is made with ground beef mixed with finely grated onion, garlic, fresh herbs, and warm spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon. The mixture is shaped onto skewers or formed into logs, then grilled, baked, or air fried until juicy and tender.

What is the difference between kofta and kebabs?

Kofta refers to seasoned ground meat that is shaped into logs, meatballs, or patties, while kebabs are a broader category that includes many types of skewered meats. Beef kofta kebabs are simply kofta that has been shaped around skewers before cooking.

Why is my kofta falling off the skewers?

If the meat mixture is too wet or hasn't had time to rest, it may not hold its shape. Finely grate the onion instead of chopping it, avoid adding excess moisture, refrigerate the mixture before shaping, and press the meat firmly around the skewers.

Can I make beef kofta without skewers?

Yes! Simply shape the mixture into oval patties or meatballs instead of wrapping it around skewers. Cook using the same grilling, baking, or air frying methods, adjusting the cooking time slightly if needed.

Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?

Yes. Ground lamb is a traditional choice for kofta and adds a rich, savory flavor. You can also use a combination of ground beef and lamb for the best of both worlds.

How do I know when beef kofta is done?

The easiest way is to use an instant-read thermometer. Beef kofta is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. The outside should be nicely browned and the center should no longer be pink.

What do you eat with beef koftas?

Beef koftas are delicious served with warm pita bread , rice , couscous , or roasted potatoes . Pair them with fresh salads like Greek salad or fattoush, and add hummus , tzatziki , or tahini sauce for dipping. Finish the meal with pickled onions , cucumbers, or fresh herbs for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Is kofta meat healthy?

Yes, beef kofta can be a healthy, protein-rich meal when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It's made with simple ingredients like ground beef, fresh herbs, onion, garlic, and spices, without any breading or fillers. For a lighter option, choose lean ground beef and serve it with vegetables, salad, or whole grains instead of fries or burgers makes it an excellent high-protein meal.

Beef Kofta Kebabs

Name: Beef Kofta Kebabs
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef; 1 small onion, grated or diced; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon allspice powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground sumac; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; tzatziki sauce (optional, for serving)

Description

Beef Kofta Kebabs are juicy, flavorful ground beef skewers seasoned with warm spices and grilled to perfection. Easy to make in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, grated or diced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon allspice powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground sumac
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
tzatziki sauce (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight. This allows the flavors to develop and helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape around the skewers.
Divide the beef mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions (about 1/2 cup each). Wet your hands lightly with water, then firmly shape each portion around a skewer into a long sausage shape about 1 inch thick, pressing gently so the meat adheres well.
Preheat a grill pan or gas grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes and lightly brush the grill with cooking oil. You should notice the oil shimmers and sizzles when it's hot and ready.
Grill the skewers until cooked through and nicely browned on all sides, about 8 to 12 minutes. Use tongs to flip around a few times to achieve even cooking on all sides. The internal temperature for the beef should reach 160°F as read on a meat thermometer.
You can also bake beef kofta in the oven or cook in the air fryer.
- To bake in the oven, arrange the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet or wire rack. Bake in a 375°F oven for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end if you'd like extra browning.
- To cook the air fryer, shape the kofta into a sausage or meatball shape (without skewers) in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Air fry at 375°F for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
Serve warm with tzatziki sauce, if desired.

Notes

Make ahead instructions: You can prepare the beef kofta mixture up to 1 day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. You can also shape the kofta onto skewers ahead of time and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. When ready to serve, simply grill, bake, or air fry as directed.

How to store: Allow the Beef Kofta Kebabs to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If serving at a party, don't leave the kebabs at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).

How to reheat: Reheat Beef Kofta Kebabs in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also remove them from the skewers and reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes, or until warm.

How to freeze: Beef kofta freezes well both before and after cooking.

Cooked: Let the kebabs cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Uncooked: Shape the kofta onto skewers (or into logs without skewers) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Beef, Main Course
Method: Air Fry, Bake, Grill
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern