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Grilled Kofta Kebabs Recipe

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4.1 from 34 reviews

Grilled Kofta Kebabs are flavorful and juicy Middle Eastern-style meat skewers made from lean ground beef mixed with aromatic spices, fresh mint, and garlic. These elongated meatballs are grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, tender, and savory dish that’s perfect for barbecues or quick dinners.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

Skewers

  • 10-12 wood or metal grilling skewers

Kofta Mixture

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef (can use lamb and/or veal as well)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 slices wheat bread (torn into tiny pieces by hand)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint (finely chopped)
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook the kofta kebabs evenly and impart a delicious char.
  2. Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. This step is not necessary if using metal skewers.
  3. Mix the Kofta Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, torn wheat bread pieces, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh mint, cumin, cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly by hand to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  4. Shape the Kofta: Form the meat mixture into meatballs and then roll each into long, skinny tubes. Carefully thread each shaped kofta onto a skewer through the center, spacing them evenly.
  5. Grill the Kebabs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side. Grill each side until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, indicating the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  6. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve the kofta kebabs hot, optionally with your favorite side dishes or sauces.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
  • You can substitute ground lamb or veal for beef if preferred.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the kofta reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
  • Serve with pita bread, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern