Greek Kofta Kebabs Recipe

Introduction

Greek Kofta Kebabs are flavorful, spiced meat skewers that bring the vibrant taste of the Mediterranean to your table. These juicy kebabs offer a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for grilling season or any casual dinner.

Ingredients

• 500g ground meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley and mint), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground spices (cumin, coriander, and cinnamon blend)
• 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for grilling

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped herbs, spices, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into long, finger-sized kebabs. If using skewers, thread the shaped meat onto them carefully.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Grill the kebabs for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning gently until they are cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.
5. Step 5: Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the meat mixture before shaping.
• Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Serve with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread for a complete Greek-inspired meal.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the kebabs in a hot cast-iron skillet or broil them in the oven.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep them moist and flavorful. You can also freeze uncooked kebabs for up to 1 month; thaw before cooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef or lamb?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey works well in kofta kebabs. Adjust the cooking time to ensure poultry is fully cooked and avoid drying out by adding some moisture like grated onion or yogurt.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning during cooking, ensuring a safer and cleaner grilling experience.

Greek Kofta Kebabs Recipe

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4.5 from 72 reviews

Greek Kofta Kebabs are flavorful ground meat patties mixed with fresh herbs and spices, shaped onto skewers, and grilled to perfection. This traditional Greek dish offers a juicy and aromatic experience, perfect for a satisfying meal accompanied by tzatziki or fresh salad.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 8 kebabs) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for moisture)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, fresh parsley, mint, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute the herbs and spices throughout the meat.
2. Shape the Kofta Kebabs: With clean hands, take small portions of the meat mixture and shape them onto skewers or form into elongated oval patties. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to become hot and covered with gray ash.
4. Grill the Kebabs: Place the kofta kebabs on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully to avoid breaking, until the meat is fully cooked and has a nice char on the outside.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with traditional accompaniments such as pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad.

Notes

• For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb.
• Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling helps prevent them from burning.
• Adjust the level of spices according to your preference for heat and flavor.
• These kebabs can also be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.

Keywords: Greek kofta, grilled kebabs, ground meat recipes, Mediterranean kebabs, lamb kofta, beef kebabs