If smoky, juicy grilled flavors make your heart sing, then you’re about to fall in love with this Kafta Kebabs Recipe. Packed with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and that unmistakable Middle Eastern flair, these kebabs are both incredibly easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve them at a backyard barbecue or for a casual weeknight dinner, this Kafta Kebabs Recipe will quickly become your go-to for adding a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the irresistible aroma and rich flavor you crave from authentic kafta. Gather these staples for your Kafta Kebabs Recipe; your tastebuds will thank you!
- Ground beef or lamb (1 pound, or a mix): The juicy foundation of your kebabs; beef gives a classic hearty flavor, while lamb adds a rich, distinctive note.
- Small onion (grated or finely minced): This not only adds subtle sweetness but keeps the kebabs deliciously moist.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): A burst of color and freshness that pleasantly balances the richness of the meat.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Essential for that classic Middle Eastern aroma and depth of flavor.
- Ground allspice (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, exotic undertones that set authentic kafta apart.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle earthiness and enhances all the other spices.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a sweet warmth that ties the spice blend beautifully together.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends gentle smokiness and brings extra pop to the kebabs’ color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Draws out maximum flavor in every bite.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just the right amount of peppery kick.
- Wooden or metal skewers: The key to that iconic kebab shape; soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
How to Make Kafta Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
In a spacious bowl, add your ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and all the spices—this is where the magic of the Kafta Kebabs Recipe comes alive! Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, kneading until you have a uniform, fragrant mixture. This will ensure every kebab is packed with flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Shape the Kebabs
Divide the kafta mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions, depending on your skewers and how big you’d like your kebabs. With slightly damp hands, mold each portion around a skewer, pressing and shaping into a long, oval kebab about one inch thick. Aim for even thickness so they cook consistently—don’t worry if they’re a little rustic, that’s part of their charm!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high. Just before adding the kebabs, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This step is key to getting those beautiful grill marks that signal your Kafta Kebabs Recipe is on track for perfection.
Step 4: Grill the Kebabs
Arrange the kebabs on your prepared grill. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning once, until they develop a gorgeous char and are cooked through. If you prefer, you can also bake them in a 400°F oven for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. The smell alone will have everyone gathered around the kitchen!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once grilled, let your kafta kebabs rest a few minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy and allows all those wonderful flavors to settle beautifully—the final step to finishing your Kafta Kebabs Recipe strong!
How to Serve Kafta Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing takes your kebabs from tasty to unforgettable! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or mint over the top for freshness and color. A drizzle of tahini sauce, lemon wedges for squeezing, or even a handful of sumac onions will lift every bite and make your Kafta Kebabs Recipe shine.
Side Dishes
Your kebabs truly sing when paired with classic sides. Think fluffy pita bread, creamy hummus, silky baba ghanoush, or fragrant rice pilaf. Add a crisp Lebanese salad—like fattoush or tabbouleh—for brightness and crunch alongside this hearty Kafta Kebabs Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, thread colorful bell peppers or cherry tomatoes between the kafta on the skewers or serve on a platter lined with flatbreads and showered with fresh herbs. Mini kebabs make awesome party appetizers, too—try shaping them smaller for easy finger food that captures all the essence of the traditional Kafta Kebabs Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer cooled kafta kebabs into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Their flavorful blend only deepens overnight, making for perfect next-day wraps or bowls.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze uncooked kebabs (already shaped on skewers) individually wrapped in plastic, then bundle in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be cooked straight from frozen—just add a few minutes to the cooking time and savor your Kafta Kebabs Recipe anytime you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the kebabs on a grill or in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. For microwave reheating, keep them covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and preserve all the juiciness that makes the Kafta Kebabs Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use only beef or only lamb in the Kafta Kebabs Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use either one on its own, or a mix of both, depending on your flavor preference. Lamb offers a richer, more traditional taste, while beef is milder. Both work beautifully with the signature spice blend of this recipe.
Is it necessary to chill the kebabs before grilling?
Chilling is optional but highly recommended! It helps the mixture firm up, which prevents the kebabs from falling apart on the grill and allows the flavors to meld. A quick 30-minute chill is plenty to get excellent results.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries at all. You can cook Kafta Kebabs Recipe in a hot grill pan on your stovetop, or bake them in a 400°F oven for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll still come out deliciously juicy and full of flavor.
How do I stop the kebabs from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oiling the grates before grilling makes all the difference! Also, allow the kebabs to develop a crust before turning—try not to move them too early, which helps prevent sticking.
Do I have to use skewers, or can I shape the kafta into patties?
Skewers offer traditional presentation, but shaping the mixture into patties works just as well, especially if you’re short on skewers or looking for kafta sliders. Both ways deliver all the signature flavor of the Kafta Kebabs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Kafta Kebabs Recipe is my favorite way to bring vibrant Middle Eastern flavors straight to my table, and I have a feeling you’ll love it just as much. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every juicy, spiced bite—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Kafta Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Kafta Kebabs are a delicious Middle Eastern dish made with a flavorful blend of ground beef or lamb and aromatic spices. Perfect for grilling, these kebabs are juicy and tender, making them a great addition to any barbecue or gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- 1 small onion (grated or finely minced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, parsley, garlic, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well using your hands until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into 6–8 portions and mold each around a skewer, shaping into long, oval kebabs about 1 inch thick.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the kafta kebabs for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
- Serve warm with pita bread, hummus, or a side of rice and salad.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the kebabs for 30 minutes before grilling.
- You can also cook them in a 400°F oven for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 kebabs
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
