Dinner

Grilled Beef Kofta Skewers

Name: Grilled Beef Kofta Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness); 1 small onion, grated; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; Salt and pepper to taste; Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

ByMariem November 14, 2025November 14, 2025

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Grilled Beef Kofta Skewers are a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with seasoned ground beef shaped onto skewers and grilled until juicy and charred. Infused with aromatic herbs and warm spices, these skewers are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with salads, flatbreads, or dipping sauces.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80–85% lean)
- Yellow onion, finely grated
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Ground paprika
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Wooden or metal skewers
Optional accompaniments:
- Greek yogurt or tzatziki
- Sliced red onions
- Bell peppers
- Fresh herbs
- Warm pita or flatbread
tro or mint in place of parsley.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooked kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The yogurt sauce should be stored separately and used within 3 days.

FAQs

What is kofta made of?

Kofta is typically made of ground meat (beef, lamb, or a mixture) combined with spices, herbs, and sometimes onions or garlic.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all the seasonings and yogurt used are gluten-free.

Can I freeze kofta?

Yes, raw or cooked kofta can be frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling or reheating.

What can I serve with kofta skewers?

They pair well with pita bread, rice, hummus, tabbouleh, or a cucumber salad.

Can I make this with ground turkey?

Yes, ground turkey can be used, though it will have a leaner and lighter taste.

How do I prevent the meat from falling off the skewers?

Chill the shaped koftas before grilling, and avoid flipping too frequently.

Is yogurt sauce necessary?

While optional, the yogurt sauce adds a refreshing, creamy contrast to the spiced meat.

What herbs go best with kofta?

Parsley, mint, and cilantro are all excellent choices that enhance the flavor profile.

Conclusion

Grilled Beef Kofta Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors. With their juicy interior, slightly crisp exterior, and robust seasoning, these skewers are a perfect addition to any dinner table or backyard grill session. Pair them with yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables for a meal that is both balanced and bursting with taste.

Mariem

Grilled Beef Kofta Skewers

Ingredients

Storage/Reheating