Beef Kofta Kebabs
Middle Eastern
Easy

Beef Kofta Kebabs

Spiced ground beef skewers grilled over high heat, fragrant with parsley, cumin, and onion.

32 min4 servings

About This Recipe

These grilled beef kofta kebabs offer a flavorful introduction to Middle Eastern cooking, delivering a savory, aromatic dish that is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Shaped into rustic logs around skewers, this classic preparation relies on a simple blend of ground beef, warm spices, and fresh herbs to create a deeply satisfying, flame-kissed meal that comes together in just over half an hour.

The secret to achieving the perfect juicy texture lies in preparing the aromatic base. Grating the onion and squeezing out its excess moisture ensures the meat mixture remains cohesive and does not become too wet to hold its shape on the skewers. Mixing the beef with the cumin, coriander, garlic, and fresh parsley until it feels tacky helps bind the ingredients together, allowing the kebabs to develop a beautiful exterior char on a hot grill while remaining tender inside.

For the best results, ensure your grill is fully preheated to high heat before cooking to instantly sear the meat and lock in the juices. If you do not have an outdoor grill, a hot cast-iron grill pan indoors works wonderfully as a convenient alternative.

To complete the meal, slide the hot kebabs off their skewers and serve them warm alongside soft flatbread, a crisp fresh salad, and a drizzle of nutty tahini. Any leftover cooked kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a quick and flavorful protein option the next day.

Ingredients

4 srv
  • 700 g Ground beef
  • 1 small Onion
  • 0.5 cup Fresh parsley
  • 2 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 3 cloves Garlic

Instructions

  1. 1

    Grate the onion and squeeze out excess liquid.

    3 min

  2. 2

    Mix beef with onion, herbs, garlic, and spices until tacky.

    4 min

  3. 3

    Shape around skewers into logs.

    5 min

  4. 4

    Grill over high heat, turning, until charred and juicy.

    12 min

  5. 5

    Serve with flatbread, salad, and tahini.

    2 min

Nutrition Facts

420

kcal

Calories

34

g

Protein

6

g

Carbs

28

g

Fat

1

g

Fiber

560

mg

Sodium

Rate This Recipe

Beverage Pairings

Across the Middle East, hospitality flows through tea and fruit: sweet mint tea, tart pomegranate juice and cardamom coffee accompany mezze and grilled meats. Where wine is poured, aromatic whites and dry rosé flatter the herbs, spice and smoke.

Wine, Beer & Spirits

Wine
Gewürztraminer· France

Aromatic and off-dry — a fine foil for za’atar, cumin and cinnamon-spiced dishes.

Serve chilled (8–10°C).

Wine
Dry Rosé· France

Dry rosé refreshes against grilled meats and smoky flavors.

Serve well chilled (8–10°C).

Non-Alcoholic

Juice
Pomegranate Juice· Middle East

Tart and deep, it complements spiced lamb, walnuts and herbs.

Serve chilled.

Tea
Mint Tea· North Africa

Sweet, cooling and traditional with mezze and after the meal.

Serve hot in a small glass.

Tea
Black Tea

Brisk and robust, served sweet with grilled and spiced food.

Steep at 95°C for 3–4 minutes.

Soft Drink
Sparkling Water

A clean refresher with a squeeze of lemon for a mezze spread.

Serve cold with a citrus twist.

Tea
Green Tea· East Asia

Light and palate-cleansing — a safe, refreshing choice.

Steep at 75–80°C for 2 minutes.