Name: Kafta Kebabs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or lamb (or a mix); 1 small onion (grated or finely minced); ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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If you’re ready to venture into the wonderfully aromatic world of Middle Eastern cooking, the Kafta Kebabs Recipe is your golden ticket. Picture juicy skewers of spiced ground meat, flame-kissed to perfection, with bold flavors from garlic, parsley, and a medley of warm spices. Whether you’re firing up a grill or using your trusty oven, these kafta kebabs are impossibly easy to make and guaranteed to wow everyone at your table. The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity and the way everyday ingredients transform into something completely irresistible, perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how such humble ingredients come together to create extraordinary flavor in this Kafta Kebabs Recipe. Each component plays a specific role, adding taste, tenderness, and a gorgeous color that makes these kebabs truly unforgettable.

Ground beef or lamb (or a mix): The foundation of this dish—using lamb gives a deeper savor, while beef keeps things approachable and juicy; a blend provides the best of both worlds.
Small onion (grated or finely minced): Adds moisture, mild sweetness, and helps bind the mixture for kebabs that hold their shape.
Chopped fresh parsley: Delivers a pop of herbal freshness and vibrant green color, brightening every bite.
Garlic (minced): Three cheers for garlic—it infuses each kebab with lovely aromatic depth and a gentle kick.
Ground allspice: The secret to a real Kafta Kebabs Recipe flavor, adding subtle warmth and complexity.
Ground cumin: Earthy, fragrant, and classic in Middle Eastern cuisine; it rounds out the spice blend perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: Just a touch adds an exotic, slightly sweet undertone that makes these kebabs stand out.
Paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and gentle color without overpowering the star ingredients.
Salt: Balances and amplifies all those gorgeous flavors—don’t skimp here!
Black pepper: Lends a mild, peppery punch that enhances the savory profile of the meat.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little heat, this adds a spicy kick at the finish.

How to Make Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Step 1: Mix Everything Together

Start by combining the ground meat (whether beef, lamb, or both) with the grated onion, parsley, garlic, and all the spices in a large bowl. Use your hands—yes, they’re the best tool for this job—to truly blend everything. Knead the mixture for a couple of minutes until it feels cohesive and slightly sticky; this is what ensures the kafta holds together beautifully on the grill or in the oven.

Step 2: Shape the Kebabs

Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Then, take each portion and mold it around a metal or soaked wooden skewer, forming an oval or log shape about 5 inches long. This traditional shape not only looks beautiful but also ensures even cooking. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform—they’ll still taste fantastic!

Step 3: Heat Up the Grill or Oven

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and give the grates a slick of oil to prevent sticking. If you’re baking, crank your oven up to 400°F and line a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup. Getting things hot before adding the kebabs is key to developing that delicious caramelized crust.

Step 4: Cook the Kebabs

Place the shaped kafta onto the grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning carefully to get a lovely char on all sides. If you’re using the oven, pop them in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for meat that’s browned and sizzling on the outside, cooked through, but still wonderfully juicy inside.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Transfer your sizzling kebabs to a platter and serve immediately while they’re at their juiciest. They’re absolute crowd-pleasers, ready to be paired with everything from fresh salads to fluffy rice or warm, pillowy pita bread.

How to Serve Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Garnishes

The best kebabs deserve the best finishing touches! Sprinkle your Kafta Kebabs Recipe with extra chopped parsley for freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, and maybe a drizzle of tahini for a creamy, nutty twist. Try scattering pomegranate seeds for a beautiful pop of color and a hint of tartness—your guests will be wowed before they even take a bite.

Side Dishes

Kafta Kebabs are super versatile and play well with a spread of Middle Eastern sides. Serve them atop a pile of fluffy, buttery rice, tuck them into warm pita with crisp cucumber and tomatoes, or scoop up bites with smoky baba ganoush or cool, garlicky hummus. A simple salad of fresh greens and pickled turnips also keeps things refreshing and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn your Kafta Kebabs Recipe into a DIY kebab platter for your next gathering? Set out bowls of pickles, chopped veggies, and dipping sauces, and let everyone assemble their own plates. Or create colorful kebab wraps with shredded lettuce, fresh herbs, and a dollop of yogurt. For appetizers, shape mini-kafta bites and skewer them with cocktail picks—irresistible finger food that disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover kafta is a meal-prepper’s dream. Once cooled, store kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make a great protein addition for lunch bowls, wraps, or quick dinners without sacrificing any of that original, just-cooked flavor.

Freezing

The Kafta Kebabs Recipe is incredibly freezer-friendly! You can freeze the uncooked, shaped kebabs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Or freeze the cooked kebabs and simply reheat as you need them—either way, you’ve got a taste of the Middle East ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To reheat leftover or frozen kebabs, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them in short bursts, though the oven preserves the best texture. If you’re in a rush, a quick pan-sear on the stove works well, especially for getting the exterior nice and toasty again.

FAQs

Can I make the kafta mixture in advance?

Absolutely! Preparing the mixture a day ahead lets the spices mingle and intensify, leading to even more flavorful kebabs. Just cover tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to shape and cook.

What type Main Course

Both ground beef and lamb are traditional, but using a mix gives you unbeatable texture and flavor. If you prefer one over the other, go for it—just aim for a slightly higher fat content for juicier, tastier kebabs.

Do I need to use skewers, or can I shape these into patties?

While skewers are classic for presentation and easy grilling, you can definitely form the mixture into patties for a delicious Middle Eastern burger-like take. They cook quickly and are just as delicious on the grill or in a skillet!

Is this Kafta Kebabs Recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for anyone avoiding gluten. Just be sure that your spices (especially blends) don’t contain any hidden wheat derivatives.

Can I bake the kafta kebabs instead of grilling?

Definitely! Baking is a fantastic option if you don’t have access to a grill. Simply line a baking sheet with foil, arrange the skewers, and bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, turning once midway for even browning.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a platter of homemade kafta around the table, and this Kafta Kebabs Recipe makes that experience easy and delicious. The process is simple, the result is spectacular, and every bite is bursting with Middle Eastern magic. Give it a go—your kitchen (and your friends!) will thank you.

Kafta Kebabs Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These flavorful Kafta Kebabs are a Middle Eastern delight that combines ground beef or lamb with a blend of aromatic spices. Grilled to perfection, these kebabs are juicy and packed with savory goodness. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
1 small onion (grated or finely minced)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Spices:

1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the meat, onion, parsley, garlic, and spices. Mix well.
Shape Kebabs: Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape each around skewers.
Grill: Preheat grill and cook kebabs for 3-4 minutes per side until done.
Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite sides.