Beef Kafta Kebabs are juicy and flavorful meat skewers that are perfect for grilling! Made with ground beef mixed with herbs and spices, they’re a real treat for your taste buds.
These kebabs are great for backyard barbecues or a quick dinner. I love serving them with warm pita and some fresh veggies. Trust me, they disappear fast at the dinner table! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 ground beef for a juicy kebab, thanks to the right mix of fat and meat. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or lamb can work well too, though they may slightly change the flavor.
Onion: Grated onion adds moisture and sweetness. If you want a milder flavor, try using shallots. You can also use onion powder in a pinch, but fresh is always best for this dish!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings great depth. If you’re short on fresh garlic, use garlic powder—about 1/8 tsp should do the trick, but adjust to taste.
Fresh Parsley: This adds brightness and freshness. If you don’t have parsley, cilantro can be a zesty substitute. Some even enjoy mixing in a bit of mint for a unique twist!
Spices: The combination of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon gives the kebabs a lovely warmth. Feel free to adjust based on your taste—more cumin for earthiness or skip the cinnamon if you’re not a fan.
How Do You Shape the Perfect Kafta Kebabs?
Shaping the kebabs can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right. Wetting your hands prevents the meat from sticking and makes shaping easier. Take a handful of the mixture and mold it into a long log, about 5-6 inches. Ensure it’s evenly shaped for consistent cooking.
- Use a sturdy skewer and press the log onto it firmly, but don’t squish the meat too much.
- Make sure you’re securing the logs onto the skewers well so they don’t fall apart on the grill.
- If you struggle to shape them, refrigerating the mixture for a while can help it firm up.
And remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect the first time.
How to Make Beef Kafta Kebabs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for moisture)
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Seasonings:
- 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
Other Supplies:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Wooden or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 1 hour to prepare. Expect about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld in the fridge, plus around 15-20 minutes for preparation and cooking time. It’s a quick and tasty way to enjoy kebabs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Add in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. It should be a nice, even mixture!
2. Refrigerate for Flavors:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps all those wonderful flavors meld together for a tastier kebab.
3. Soak Skewers (if wooden):
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes while the beef mixture is chilling. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the skewers soak, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for those kebabs!
5. Shape the Kebabs:
With wet hands to prevent sticking, take the chilled beef mixture and shape it into elongated patties or logs about 5-6 inches long. Carefully thread them onto the skewers, making sure they are secure and won’t fall off during cooking.
6. Oil and Grill:
Brush the kebabs lightly with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely and prevents sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the beef is cooked through and has a nice char.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once they are cooked to your liking, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps them stay juicy! Serve the Beef Kafta Kebabs warm, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside hummus, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef in kafta kebabs. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner than beef, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil or a splash of broth to maintain moisture and flavor in the mixture.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Levels?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of cumin and coriander. For those who like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili peppers into the mixture. Just be sure to taste and adjust accordingly!
