Beef Kafta Kebabs are tasty and fun to make! These flavorful skewers are made with ground beef mixed with herbs and spices, giving them a delicious aroma and a perfect sizzle on the grill.
You can easily serve these kebabs with warm pita bread and fresh veggies. I just love how everyone enjoys them at gatherings—plus, they’re perfect for outdoor cooking. Yum! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 beef for the perfect mix of flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner version, you can use 90/10 beef, but keep in mind it might be less juicy. Turkey or chicken can also be good alternatives if you prefer poultry.
Onion: Finely grated onion adds moisture and flavor. You can use shallots if you want a sweeter taste or even leeks for a milder flavor. Just adjust the quantity to keep it balanced!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and mint are essential for a fresh taste. If you don’t have fresh mint, you can skip it or use a bit of dried mint instead. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so less is more.
Spices: Cumin and coriander are warm spices that give the kebabs their signature flavor. If you need a substitute, try using allspice or garam masala, but use smaller amounts since they can be stronger.
Cayenne Pepper: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to leave out the cayenne. You can always add a touch of hot sauce to your dipping sauce for a bit of heat instead.
How Do I Form Perfect Kebab Shapes?
Shaping your kebabs can be tricky, but here’s how to do it like a pro. Wetting your hands before handling the beef mixture prevents sticky fingers and helps maintain the shape.
- Take a handful of the mixture and press it onto the skewer, forming a long, oval shape about 1 inch thick and 5-6 inches long.
- Be sure to press firmly to keep the mixture from falling off during grilling.
- If you’re using bamboo skewers, soaking them in water beforehand prevents burning on the grill.
Remember to leave a little space at the ends of the skewers to help with turning and grilling. Happy grilling!
How to Make Beef Kafta Kebabs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kebabs:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Bamboo or metal skewers, soaked in water if bamboo
For Serving:
- Sliced cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Hummus or tzatziki sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes for grilling. In total, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes to enjoy these delicious kebabs from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, and optional mint. Then, sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Mix everything well with your hands or a spoon until it’s nicely blended.
2. Prepare the Grill:
While you mix the meat, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on your kebabs once they’re ready to cook!
3. Shape the Kebabs:
With wet hands (to make it easier), take a portion of the beef mixture and shape it around the skewers. Aim for elongated shapes about 1 inch thick and 5-6 inches long. Continue this until all the meat mixture is used up.
4. Grill the Kebabs:
Place your kebabs on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring they are cooked through and have a nice char. The total cooking time will be around 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the kebabs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve the kebabs on a plate along with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and your favorite dipping sauce like hummus or tzatziki. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that since these meats are less fatty than beef, they may require an extra binding agent like breadcrumbs or an egg to hold the kebabs together. You might also want to adjust seasonings to enhance the flavors.
How Do I Store Leftover Kebabs?
Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the grill or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also enjoy them cold in a salad or wrap!
Can I Make the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld and can save you time on the day you plan to grill. Just remember to form the kebabs and cook them the same day for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Herbs?
If you don’t have fresh parsley or mint on hand, you can use dried herbs instead! Use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried mint for this recipe. Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust according to your taste preference.
