Beef Kafta Kebabs are juicy and flavorful skewers made with spiced ground beef, onions, and fresh herbs. They’re perfect for grilling up on a sunny day and will make your taste buds dance!
These kebabs are so easy to whip up; I mix the ingredients, shape them onto skewers, and grill away. They are great with pita and tangy sauce—your friends will want the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of fat and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but they might be less juicy.
Onion: Finely minced onion adds moisture and flavor to the kebabs. If you’re short on fresh onions, onion powder can be a quick substitute, using about 1 teaspoon per 1/4 cup of onion.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and mint give a bright flavor. If you don’t have mint, feel free to skip it or try fresh cilantro for a different aromatic kick.
Spices: Cumin and coriander are key for that Middle Eastern flavor. If you’re out of coriander, ground cumin alone works. Paprika can be swapped with smoked paprika for a different taste.
Olive Oil: I use olive oil for brushing the kebabs to enhance flavor and help with grilling. If you prefer, you can use melted butter or other cooking oils like canola or avocado oil.
How Can I Shape the Kebabs Perfectly?
Shaping kebabs can be tricky, but here’s a quick guide to get them just right. Start with wet hands to prevent sticking. Take a handful of the meat mixture and press it firmly onto the skewer, forming a long, flat shape around the stick.
- Keep the kebabs about 1-2 inches thick for even cooking.
- Make sure to press the meat onto the skewer well so that they don’t fall apart while cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers—give each kebab enough space for heat circulation.
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first batch isn’t masterpiece level. Most importantly, enjoy the process!
How to Make Beef Kafta Kebabs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for moisture)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Wooden or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef kafta kebab recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to rest in the fridge, and another 12 minutes to grill. So, in total, you’re looking at about 57 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, minced onion, garlic, parsley, mint (if you’re using it), cumin, coriander, paprika, allspice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. It should look like a well-blended meat mixture.
2. Resting the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in the refrigerator. Let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting time is important because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Preparing the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, now is the time to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Shaping the Kebabs:
Once the beef mixture has rested, take it out of the fridge. With wet hands (this helps prevent sticking), grab a portion of the meat mixture and shape it around a skewer. Press firmly to form long, flat kebabs, about 1-2 inches thick. Repeat this step with the remaining meat mixture and skewers until they’re all shaped.
5. Grilling the Kebabs:
Brush the shaped kebabs lightly with olive oil and season with a little extra salt and pepper if you’d like. Place the kebabs on your preheated grill, making sure they have some space between each one. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to get nice grill marks and ensure they cook evenly. The kebabs are ready when they’re browned and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
6. Serving Up:
Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve your tasty Beef Kafta Kebabs with sides like hummus, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Feel free to garnish with more fresh parsley and mint if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Lamb or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground lamb will give a richer flavor, while ground chicken is a leaner alternative. If using chicken, consider adding a bit more fat (like olive oil) to keep the kebabs moist, as chicken tends to dry out faster than beef.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! If you can’t find fresh parsley or mint, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried mint. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust to your taste!
Can These Kebabs Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and form the kebabs up to a day in advance. Just store them covered in the fridge. This allows the flavors to deepen. When you’re ready to cook, they can go directly onto the grill from the fridge—just be sure to soak your wooden skewers if you’re using them!
How to Store Leftover Kebabs?
Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Enjoy them cold in a salad or as a delicious wrap!
