Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a Middle Eastern street food paradise! These sizzling Beef Kofta Kababs are not just a meal, they're an experience that combines bold spices, tender beef, and a cooling tzatziki sauce that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious foodie looking to expand your cooking repertoire, this dish promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 onion, grated
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the kofta mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, grated onion, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Once the mixture is well blended, divide it into equal portions. You should be able to form about 8-10 kofta patties or logs, depending on your preferred size. Shape each portion into an elongated oval or log, ensuring they are compact to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Once the grill is hot, thread the kofta onto the skewers if you are using them. If not, simply place the shaped kofta directly onto the grill. Cook the kofta for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- While the kofta is grilling, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the kofta are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps to retain their juices and flavor.
- To serve, place the kofta on a platter alongside a bowl of tzatziki sauce. You can also serve them with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy your delicious Beef Kofta Kababs with Tzatziki!
Tips
- Mix the meat mixture with your hands to ensure even distribution of spices and prevent overworking the meat, which can make the kababs tough.
- For extra flavor, let the kofta mixture rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking to allow the spices to meld together.
- If you don't have a grill, these kababs can be easily cooked in a hot skillet or even baked in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat content (around 80/20) to keep the kababs juicy and flavorful.
- When making tzatziki, squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
- For a perfect char and flavor, make sure your grill or pan is preheated before cooking the kababs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
