Middle Eastern Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki

Name: Middle Eastern Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 small onion, finely grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp cumin; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Pita bread or skewers for serving; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, grated; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp dill

Published: June 21, 2025

by samuel cullingham

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Middle Eastern Beef Kofta Kebabs are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining
The bold flavors will delight your taste buds while the vibrant presentation makes them visually stunning
Ideal for grilling, they can also be made in the oven for year-round enjoyment
Plus, they pair beautifully with various sides or can be enjoyed on their own!

Creating these kebabs became a family tradition during our backyard barbecues, where friends would rave about my cooking skills and ask for seconds, sometimes even thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Beef: Choose fat content wisely; 80/20 gives you juicy kebabs without being too greasy. savory ground beef recipes.
Fresh Parsley: Use bright green parsley for freshness that enhances flavor and color.
Onion: Finely grated onion keeps the mixture moist and adds fantastic sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key; it adds depth and an irresistible aroma to your dish.
Cumin: This spice brings warmth and earthiness; don’t skip it!
Paprika: Use smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with beef.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors in your dish.
Pita Bread or Skewers: Use pitas for wraps or skewers to grill those delicious kofta kebabs!
Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients: Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill blend together for a refreshing dip.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Gather your ingredients because we’re about to embark on a flavorful journey!

Prepare Your Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. delicious beef meatballs Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing for tender kebabs.

Mold Into Kebabs: Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into long oval shapes around skewers or just freeform if grilling on a flat surface. Aim for uniform thickness for even cooking.

Chill the Kebabs: Place formed kebabs on a plate and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape during grilling.

Heat Up the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using skewers, brush them lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Grill Until Perfect: Place kebabs on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

Make Tzatziki Sauce: While kebabs are grilling, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined. Chill until serving.

With these steps completed successfully, congratulations! You’ve just made Middle Eastern Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki that will wow everyone at your table! Enjoy every succulent bite!

You Must Know

These Middle Eastern Beef Kofta Kebabs are not just tasty; they can be grilled or baked, making them versatile for any cooking situation
The aromatic spices create a mouthwatering scent that will have everyone asking for the recipe
Serve with tzatziki to elevate your dish!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your minced beef with spices, then shape into kebabs. Grill on medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through and juicy. For more inspiration, check out this baked pesto turkey meatballs recipe.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the beef for lamb or chicken for a different flavor profile. Add chopped herbs like parsley or mint to enhance freshness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly spiced kebabs, let the meat mixture sit for an hour before shaping
Ensure your grill is preheated for nice char marks
Always soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning

This recipe reminds me of a summer barbecue where my friends devoured these kebabs in minutes, definitely a hit!

FAQ

What is the best meat for kofta kebabs?

Ground beef or lamb works best due to their flavor and fat content. Korean ground beef dish.

Can I make kofta kebabs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate before cooking.

How do I know when the kebabs are done?

Use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

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