These grilled beef kofta kebabs are simple to make and bursting with warm spices and fresh herbs. They’re an ideal main for weekend grilling or a quick weeknight dinner.
If you want something new and exciting for the grill, these kofta kebabs fit the bill.
Kofta refers to spiced ground meat shaped into balls or logs and cooked—think meatball on a stick. These kebabs are seasoned, skewered and grilled until juicy and browned.
Why you’ll love them
- Quick and easy – a food processor speeds up chopping and mixing so you can season, form and grill with minimal fuss.
- Full of flavor – a blend of warming spices plus plenty of fresh parsley and cilantro gives these kebabs a bright, layered taste.
- Great for guests – they grill quickly and are perfect for feeding a crowd at a barbecue or casual dinner.
Ingredients
- Egg – helps bind the meat so the kebabs hold together.
- Ground beef – lean ground beef works well for flavor and texture; extra-lean can be used if preferred.
- Onion – any onion will do; it’s pulsed and mixed into the meat.
- Parsley & cilantro – add generously for freshness and balance to the warm spices.
- Garlic – fresh garlic gives best flavor.
- Spices – ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cumin and cinnamon provide a warm, aromatic profile.
How to make them
Process the onion and garlic. Roughly chop the onion and garlic, add to a food processor and pulse until finely minced.
Process the meat. Add the ground beef to the food processor and pulse a few times so the onion and garlic are incorporated and the meat is slightly broken down.
Tip: Pulse just enough to combine. Over-processing will turn the meat pasty.
Add the egg and season the meat. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the egg, herbs and spices, then use your hands to mix thoroughly, massaging the flavors into the meat.
Form the kebabs. Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each portion around a skewer into a long kebab. For best results chill the kebabs in the fridge for about 30 minutes so they firm up before cooking.
Grill. Heat the grill to medium. Place kebabs on the grill and cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and cooked through.
How to serve
These beef kofta kebabs are versatile and pair well with many sides.
- On pita – remove from skewers and serve in warm pita with lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki or tahini.
- With salad – serve alongside a bright salad for a lighter meal.
- With simple sides – chopped seasoned tomatoes or a grain salad are excellent and effortless accompaniments.
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More recipes you’ll love
If you like these grilled beef kofta kebabs, try other grilled mains and salads for easy, flavorful meals.
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Grilled Vegetable Salad
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Grilled Chicken Tacos
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Grilled Chicken Banh Mi
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Print Recipe
Grilled Beef Kofta Kebabs
Equipment
Ingredients:
- 1 onion – roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic – roughly chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- handful parsley – minced
- handful cilantro – minced
Instructions
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Roughly chop the onion and garlic and pulse in a food processor until finely minced.
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Add the ground beef and pulse a few times so the onion is mixed through and the meat is slightly broken down.
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Transfer to a bowl and add the egg, salt, pepper, coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, parsley and cilantro. Mix well by hand, massaging the spices into the meat.
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Divide into six portions and form around skewers. Chill about 30 minutes for best results.
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Preheat grill to medium. Grill kebabs 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.