Description
These Beef Kafta Kebabs are flavorful, juicy, and easy to make, combining ground beef with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. Perfect for grilling, these kebabs offer a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Herbs
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 medium onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Spices
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, and all the spices including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Kebabs: Take a handful of the meat mixture and mold it tightly around a skewer, shaping it into an elongated kebab. Ensure it is packed firmly to prevent it from falling apart during cooking. Repeat this process for all the mixture.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (around 375°F or 190°C). If using a grill pan on the stovetop, heat it over medium-high heat until hot.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush each kebab with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor before grilling.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the kebabs on the grill or grill pan. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally so all sides are browned and cooked evenly. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safely cooked.
- Rest the Kebabs: Remove the kebabs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the kebabs hot or at room temperature as desired. They pair beautifully with flatbreads, salads, or dips like tzatziki.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the kebabs are cooked safely to 160°F (71°C).
- Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- These kebabs can also be cooked in a grill pan on the stovetop if an outdoor grill is not available.
- Resting the meat after cooking is essential for juicy kebabs.
