These grilled kofta combine ground beef and lamb with warm aromatic spices. Ready in about 30 minutes, the skewers are perfect with a creamy lemon-tahini sauce for dipping.
Kofta is one of my favorite dishes to order at Middle Eastern restaurants. The mix of fragrant spices with ground beef and lamb creates a rich, savory flavor. While the ingredient list may look long, most items are pantry staples. I like a blend of beef and lamb for balance, but you can use only one type of meat if preferred. The kofta are served with a simple lemon-tahini sauce that’s great for dipping or drizzling.
[lwptoc]
What Is Kofta?
Kofta is a spiced ground-meat dish from the Middle East and Persia. The name comes from Persian and Arabic roots meaning “pounded” or “ground.” It’s made by combining ground meat (often lamb or beef) with spices, herbs, onion and garlic, shaping the mixture into patties or onto skewers, and grilling until browned. Kofta is commonly served with rice, salad, yogurt sauces or pita.
Why You Will Love This Kofta Recipe
- A classic Middle Eastern flavor: aromatic spices pair perfectly with the meat, and the lemon-tahini sauce brightens every bite.
- Flexible and customizable: you can adjust heat, garlic or herbs, or swap meats (beef, lamb, pork or turkey) to suit your taste.
- Quick family dinner: the recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and appeals to a wide range of palates.
- Versatile serving options: enjoy kofta over salad, in pita, in lettuce cups, or as an appetizer with dips.
- Diet-friendly: this version is Whole30, Paleo, Keto, grain-free, gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients You Need To Make Kofta
- Ground beef: lean ground beef balances the fattier lamb. Use medium beef if you prefer more richness.
- Ground lamb: lends characteristic flavor; substitute pork or turkey if desired. Adjust ratios to taste.
- Onion: grate or finely chop so it blends into the meat.
- Fresh parsley: finely chopped for brightness; mint or oregano work too.
- Garlic: use fresh minced garlic for best flavor.
- Spices: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne (or red pepper flakes), salt and black pepper give the kofta their signature taste.
(See the recipe card below for exact quantities.)
Tips For Making Grilled Kofta
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- No skewers? Shape the mixture into meatballs or patties and cook the same way.
- Shape the kofta long and thin (about 1 inch thick) so they cook evenly.
- Wet your hands when smoothing the kofta on the skewers for a neater finish.
How To Cook These Grilled Kofta
A gas grill works best. Oil the grates lightly so the kofta won’t stick. Grill over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes total, turning every 2–3 minutes until evenly browned. For safety, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Can I Cook Kofta on The Stove?
Yes. Use a lightly oiled grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook 8–10 minutes, turning frequently so they brown on all sides.
Can I Cook Kofta In The Oven?
Place skewers on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes. Switch to broil for 3–4 minutes to develop color, watching closely to avoid burning.
What To Serve With This Lamb & Beef Kofta
These kofta pair beautifully with a fresh salad, chopped cucumber and tomatoes, cauliflower tabbouleh, roasted eggplant, or warm pita. Serve with the lemon-tahini sauce, tzatziki, hummus, or baba ganoush, and garnish with sliced red onion and extra parsley.
What Is In The Tahini Lemon Sauce
The lemon-tahini sauce is simple and bright. Blend tahini, garlic, lemon juice and a little water until smooth. The blender makes the sauce light and fluffy; add more water if it’s too thick.
Can I Make These Kofta In Advance?
Yes. Mix the meat, spices, onion, garlic and herbs and refrigerate for up to 2 days before shaping. You can also shape them on skewers and store them on a sheet pan in the fridge for up to 1 day before cooking.
What About Leftovers
Store leftover kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or on a grill set to low heat until warmed through.
Here are a few more ground beef recipes that you might enjoy…
- Mexican Beef Taco Salad
- Classic Beef Lasagna
- Mexican Meatballs
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Beef & Cauliflower Rice Mexican Casserole
- Spaghetti Bolognese Casserole
If you make this recipe let me know in the comment section below — I’d love to hear your thoughts or see a photo on Instagram (@everylastbite_)!
Grilled Kofta
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground lamb
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion grated on a cheese grater
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp salt
Tahini Lemon Sauce
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
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In a large bowl combine the ground beef and lamb with the grated onion and chopped parsley. Add the minced garlic, spices and salt, then mix by hand until everything is evenly distributed.
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Divide the mixture into six portions and shape each into a long, thin kofta around a skewer. Wet your hands and gently roll to smooth and even the surface.
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Heat the grill to medium-high (or use a sandwich press or grill pan). Place the kofta on the grill and cook about 8 minutes total, turning every 2–3 minutes until evenly browned.
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While the kofta cook, make the tahini lemon sauce: blend tahini, garlic, lemon juice and water until smooth. Add more water a splash at a time if needed to reach a light, pourable consistency.
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Serve the kofta garnished with chopped parsley and the tahini lemon sauce, either drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.