Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Introduction

Kafta kebabs are a flavorful Middle Eastern grilled dish made with ground beef and aromatic spices. These juicy skewers are perfect for summer barbecues or a simple weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion (quartered)
• 1 cup fresh parsley (washed and patted dry)
• 600 grams ground beef (lean)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon seven spice (pre-mixed spice blend)
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne (more to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of your food processor, add the quartered onion and fresh parsley. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. Step 2: Transfer the ground beef to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped onion and parsley mixture along with salt, black pepper, seven spice, and cayenne. Mix thoroughly by hand until combined.
3. Step 3: Take portions of the mixture and mold them around skewers, shaping the meat about an inch to an inch and a half thick.
4. Step 4: Prepare your charcoal or gas grill. If using a gas grill, preheat to medium-high and brush the grill grates with oil. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on one side.
5. Step 5: Turn the skewers over and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through.
6. Step 6: Serve the kafta kebabs immediately while hot and juicy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Try adding minced garlic or ground cumin for a different spice profile.
• Serve with warm pita bread, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover cooked kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on a grill until warmed through to maintain juiciness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use lamb instead of beef for kafta?

Yes, ground lamb works wonderfully and adds a rich flavor typical of traditional kafta kebabs.

Do I need to soak metal skewers before grilling?

Metal skewers do not require soaking, but if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 70 reviews

Classic Middle Eastern Kafta Kebabs made with ground beef, fresh parsley, and a blend of aromatic spices, grilled to perfection for a juicy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any barbecue or family dinner.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings 1x
• Category: Grilling
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Kafta Kebabs

• 1 medium yellow onion (quartered)
• 1 cup fresh parsley (washed and patted dry)
• 600 grams ground beef (lean)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon seven spice (pre-mixed spice blend)
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the parsley and onion: In the bowl of your food processor, add quartered onion and fresh parsley. Process by pulsing the ingredients until they are finely chopped to combine flavors evenly.
2. Mix the meat and spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the finely chopped parsley and onion mixture along with salt, black pepper, seven spice, and cayenne pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the spices are well incorporated.
3. Form the kebabs: Take handfuls of the meat mixture and mold them around skewers, shaping them to be about one to one and a half inches thick to ensure even cooking.
4. Preheat the grill: Prepare your charcoal or gas grill. If using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the kebabs: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side before turning them over. Grill for another 4 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.
6. Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• For juicier kebabs, use ground beef with some fat content instead of extra lean beef.
• If you don’t have seven spice, you can substitute with a mix of allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Can be served with pita bread, fresh salad, or tahini sauce for an authentic Middle Eastern meal.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.

Keywords: Kafta Kebabs, Middle Eastern kebabs, grilled beef skewers, ground beef kebabs, spicy kafta, seven spice kebabs