Juicy, fragrant, and packed with a medley of warming spices, Middle Eastern Kofta brings together the best of old-world flavors in one irresistibly savory bite. Picture tender grilled skewers of seasoned ground meat, infused with fresh herbs and a touch of smoky char—these are beloved staples across Middle Eastern kitchens for a reason! Whether enjoyed straight from the grill, wrapped in pillowy pita, or swooped through creamy sauces, this recipe is a joy to make and even more delightful to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Middle Eastern Kofta lies in its simple yet bold ingredients—each one bringing depth, aroma, and vibrant color to the final dish. Let’s talk about every element that makes these kofta skewers completely unforgettable.
- Ground beef or lamb: Choose high-quality, fresh meat for the juiciest, most robust flavor; lamb adds richness while beef keeps things classic.
- Onion: Finely grated onion not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the kofta tender and moist.
- Garlic: Three cloves give a gentle pungency—don’t skip them!
- Fresh parsley: Adds a clean, herbal brightness that balances the spices.
- Fresh mint: Mint is traditional and elevates every bite; don’t be afraid of adding a little extra if you love a fresh lift.
- Ground cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin is essential for an authentic Middle Eastern kofta taste.
- Ground coriander: Subtle citrusy notes that enliven the whole mix.
- Ground cinnamon: Just the right amount for that gentle, sweet warmth in the background.
- Ground allspice: Lends a deep, almost peppery complexity that’s hard to resist.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For a touch of heat—adjust to your spice preference!
- Salt and black pepper: The foundation for balanced savoriness—always taste as you go.
- Olive oil (for brushing): This keeps the kofta juicy and creates a gorgeous golden char when grilling.
How to Make Middle Eastern Kofta
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
Start by setting yourself up with a large mixing bowl and adding all the magic: your ground beef (or lamb), grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne (if you’re brave), plus plenty of salt and pepper. The key is to gently mix with your hands—just until everything is combined. This helps keep your Middle Eastern Kofta tender instead of dense, so don’t overmix!
Step 2: Shape Onto Skewers
Once the mixture is just combined, it’s time to shape the kofta. Divide your mixture into 8 even portions for even cooking. Take each portion and mold it tightly around a skewer—metal or well-soaked wooden skewers both work great. Shape it into ovals or little sausages, pressing firmly to keep the mixture from crumbling on the grill. This step is especially fun if you get little hands in the kitchen to help!
Step 3: Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nice and hot—perfect for those beautiful grill marks. Meanwhile, brush each kofta skewer lightly with olive oil; this not only adds flavor but helps prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Kofta
Lay your skewers on the grill and listen for that satisfying sizzle. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until each skewer is cooked through and gloriously charred on all sides. The aroma will let you know they’re nearly there! They should be juicy and no longer pink inside; don’t overcook, as you want them moist.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
With the koftas piping hot, serve them immediately with soft pita bread, a crisp salad, and maybe some tangy yogurt sauce or luxurious hummus. Every bite of Middle Eastern Kofta should be bursting with flavor and comfort!
How to Serve Middle Eastern Kofta
Garnishes
If you want to take your Middle Eastern Kofta over the top, try garnishing with a generous handful of extra fresh parsley or mint, a sprinkle of sumac (for tartness), or a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce. Lemon wedges brighten up each bite, while a dusting of chili flakes is perfect if you enjoy heat.
Side Dishes
Middle Eastern Kofta is brilliant alongside warm, fluffy pita bread, but it truly shines when paired with sides like tabbouleh, fattoush salad, or a simple tomato-cucumber salad. Don’t forget the cool, tangy cucumber yogurt sauce or classic hummus for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try wrapping the kofta in pita with shredded lettuce and pickles to make a kofta wrap, or arrange the skewers on a big platter atop jeweled rice for a dinner-party centerpiece. You can even slide the kofta off the skewers and serve them as kebab-style sliders in mini buns for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Middle Eastern Kofta (lucky you!), store the cooled kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty and moist for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or meal prep.
Freezing
Kofta freezes beautifully. Arrange the cooked or uncooked kofta in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This is a lifesaver for busy weeks when you crave comfort food fast.
Reheating
To reheat, either warm kofta in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or sizzle on a skillet until heated through. A quick zap in the microwave will work in a pinch, but be careful not to dry them out—covering with a damp towel helps preserve the juiciness.
FAQs
Can I make Middle Eastern Kofta without a grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan on the stovetop works beautifully, or even your oven’s broiler set on high. Just keep an eye out for doneness and aim for that slight char that makes kofta so delicious.
What kind of meat is best for Middle Eastern Kofta?
Traditionally, you’ll find lamb, beef, or a blend of both used for Middle Eastern Kofta. Lamb brings richness and authenticity, while beef is leaner but just as flavorful. Choose what you love or what’s available!
How can I keep my kofta from falling off the skewer?
The trick is to squeeze the mixture tightly around the skewer and give it a good chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before grilling, which helps everything firm up. Using the right fat ratio in your meat also makes shaping easier.
Is Middle Eastern Kofta gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you skip any non-traditional fillers. Just be sure any side dishes or pita you serve are also certified gluten-free if you’re serving guests with allergies.
Can I prepare the kofta mixture in advance?
Definitely! The flavor actually improves after a few hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator. Simply cover and chill the mixture until you’re ready to shape and grill.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about making Middle Eastern Kofta at home—it’s easy, wonderfully fragrant, and destined to bring smiles around the table. I hope this recipe becomes your go-to for family dinners, backyard gatherings, or whenever you crave Middle Eastern comfort food with unforgettable flavor.
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Middle Eastern Kofta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Middle Eastern Kofta skewers are a flavorful blend of ground beef or lamb mixed with aromatic spices, grilled to perfection, and served with traditional accompaniments.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the Kofta: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into an oval or sausage shape around metal or wooden skewers.
- Grill the Kofta: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the kofta with olive oil and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and charred on all sides.
- Serve: Serve hot with pita bread, fresh salad, and a side of yogurt sauce or hummus.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, serve with a drizzle of tahini sauce or fresh lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
