Beef Kafta Kebabs are tasty meat skewers that are super easy to make! They’re packed with flavor from the spices and fresh herbs mixed right in with ground beef.
I love grilling these kebabs at summer BBQs. They are fun to eat, and who doesn’t enjoy meat on a stick? You can even add veggies or serve them with a yummy dip!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can also work well. Just note they might cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Onion: Finely grating the onion helps it mix in well and adds nice moisture. If you’re not a fan of onion, you can use shallots or omit it altogether. Scallions also add a milder flavor if preferred.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a fresh touch to the kebabs! If parsley isn’t available, try fresh cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile. Both give a vibrant touch to the dish.
Spices: Cumin and coriander are key for that authentic taste. If you don’t have them, ground turmeric or paprika make decent substitutes. Cinnamon is a nice surprise in these kebabs, but you can skip it if you want a more traditional flavor.
Hummus: You can use any flavor of hummus you like. Try roasted red pepper or garlic hummus for added taste. If you want a different dip, tzatziki is refreshing and complements these kebabs nicely.
How Do I Shape the Kebabs Properly?
Shaping the kebabs is an essential step to ensure they hold together during grilling. Here’s how to do it:
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions – about the size of your palm works well.
- With slightly damp hands (this prevents sticking), take a portion and form it around the skewer. Press firmly but gently to keep the mixture attached.
- Shape it into an oval or log shape, ensuring it’s evenly packed. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they are soaked to prevent burning.
- Before grilling, brush the kebabs with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps them brown nicely without sticking to the grill.
Following these tips will give you beautifully shaped kebabs that cook evenly and taste amazing!
How to Make Beef Kafta Kebabs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kebabs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For Garnishing:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup hummus (to serve)
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 10-12 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to get these delicious beef kafta kebabs on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want all the flavors to blend beautifully!
2. Preheat the Grill:
While you’re mixing, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This step is important for getting nice grill marks and cooking the kebabs evenly.
3. Shape the Kebabs:
Once the meat mixture is ready, divide it into equal portions. Take a portion and shape it around each skewer, pressing gently to form long, oval-shaped kebabs. Make sure they are tightly packed so they don’t fall apart while grilling.
4. Brush and Grill:
Brush the kebabs lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them to be cooked through and have lovely grill marks. Yum!
5. Prepare the Serving Bowl:
While your kebabs are grilling, prepare your serving bowl. Add the hummus as the base, then arrange the cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion on top for a fresh touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the kebabs are done, place them over the hummus in your serving bowl. If you like, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley on top for added flavor and presentation. Serve warm with additional veggies on the side, grab a skewer, and enjoy your delicious beef kafta kebabs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great leaner alternative to beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey may require a bit more seasoning due to its milder flavor. You can add extra herbs or spices to enhance the taste as needed.
What If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can form the kafta mixture into burger patties instead. Just cook them on the grill or in a skillet until fully cooked, adjusting the cooking time as needed since they will be thicker than kebabs.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover beef kafta kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. They can also be enjoyed cold in a salad or wrap!
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and grill the kebabs. This also allows the flavors to meld a bit more, enhancing the overall taste!
