Beef Kofta Kebabs with Herbs Recipe

🥩 Beef Kofta Kebabs with Herbs Recipe

Ready in: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean | Calories per serving: ~320

🌿 Introduction

If you’re craving something hearty, aromatic, and irresistibly juicy, these Beef Kofta Kebabs with Herbs are your new go-to. Packed with Middle Eastern spices and fresh herbs, each skewer bursts with flavor — smoky, savory, and perfectly spiced. Whether grilled outdoors or baked in your oven, these kebabs bring restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.

As they sizzle, the aroma of cumin, coriander, and fresh cilantro fills the air — it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone linger by the grill. These koftas are an easy weeknight dinner, perfect for gatherings, or even a quick high-protein meal prep option.

💡 Recipe Highlights

• Main Protein: Ground beef (85% lean for juiciness)
• Flavor Profile: Savory, herby, and mildly spiced
• Cooking Method: Grill or oven-bake
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Best Served With: Pita bread, hummus, or couscous
• Perfect For: Family dinners, BBQ nights, or meal prep

🧂 Ingredients

For the Kofta Mixture:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
• 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for depth)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil for brushing
• Wooden or metal skewers

🧑‍🍳 Chef’s Secret

🧊 Chill before grilling!
After shaping your koftas, refrigerate them for 20–30 minutes before cooking. This helps the meat bind together, ensuring juicy, firm kebabs that won’t fall apart on the grill.

🍴 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and all the spices. Using your hands, mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing — it can make the koftas dense.

Step 3: Shape the Koftas

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Mold each around a skewer to form long oval shapes (about 4–5 inches). Press firmly so they adhere well.

Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Place the shaped koftas on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Step 5: Grill or Bake

• Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush each kebab with olive oil and grill 4–5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
• Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway for even browning.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let the koftas rest for 3–4 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Transform your kofta kebabs into a feast with these serving ideas:

• Classic: Wrap in warm pita with tzatziki, sliced onions, and tomatoes.
• Mediterranean Bowl: Serve over fluffy couscous or basmati rice with a drizzle of lemon-tahini sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Pair with grilled vegetables or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad.
• Party Platter: Serve mini koftas with hummus, baba ganoush, and flatbread for sharing.

🧄 Flavor Pairings & Add-Ons

• Sauces: Tahini, mint yogurt, garlic dip, or harissa.
• Sides: Roasted potatoes, tabbouleh, or Mediterranean chickpea salad.
• Drinks: Mint lemonade or chilled pomegranate iced tea.

🔀 Recipe Variations

• Beef & Lamb Kofta: Use half ground beef and half ground lamb for richer flavor.
• Chicken Kofta: Substitute with ground chicken; reduce cook time slightly.
• Herb Upgrade: Add mint or dill for a fresh twist.
• Vegan Kofta: Replace beef with mashed chickpeas, bulgur, and olive oil using the same spice blend.

🧠 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze raw or cooked koftas for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
• Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or lightly pan-fry with olive oil.

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

A protein-packed meal with balanced healthy fats and minimal carbs — ideal for low-carb or high-protein diets.

🧄 Expert Tips for Perfect Koftas

1. Use 85% lean ground beef — too lean can make koftas dry.
2. Grate onion finely to avoid chunks and help bind the mixture.
3. Keep a small bowl of water to moisten your hands when shaping the meat.
4. Always rest after grilling — this keeps them tender.
5. Use fresh herbs for a vibrant aroma and authentic taste.

🌍 Cultural Note

Kofta is a beloved dish across the Middle East, South Asia, and the Mediterranean. The word “kofta” comes from the Persian “kūfta,” meaning “to grind.” Each culture adds its own twist — from Lebanese beef kofta to Indian seekh kebabs — but all share the same essence: tender, spiced meat cooked over open flames and shared with family.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I bake these koftas instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping once. You’ll still get a deliciously juicy result.

Q2: Why are my koftas breaking on the grill?
If they fall apart, the mixture might be too wet. Add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or chill them before grilling.

Q3: Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate the mixture up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually develop better overnight.

Q4: What’s the best way to shape koftas?
Wet your hands slightly and shape around the skewer in long ovals, pressing firmly to remove air pockets.

Q5: How can I make it spicier?
Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or extra cayenne for more heat without changing the flavor balance.