Description
Sizzling Middle Eastern Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki dance with bold spices and grilled perfection, bringing Mediterranean charm straight to your backyard grill. Juicy ground beef mixed with aromatic herbs creates tender skewers perfect for sharing with friends on a warm summer evening.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
Aromatics and Spices
- 1 medium onion, finely grated
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tzatziki and Accompaniments
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dill or mint (optional)
- 4 pita breads or wraps
Instructions
- Gently fold 1 lb ground beef with 1 medium finely grated onion, ¼ cup chopped parsley, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Blend ingredients carefully without overmixing.
- Mold the meat mixture into 4-6 elongated cylindrical shapes around metal skewers. Press the meat firmly and evenly along each skewer.
- Warm your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or position your oven rack 4 inches from the broiler element. Preheat to 500°F.
- Cook the kebabs for 4-5 minutes on the first side until deep golden brown edges form. Rotate skewers and grill an additional 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Combine 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt with ½ grated cucumber (excess water squeezed out), 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and optional 2 tbsp chopped dill or mint. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer hot kebabs from grill onto a serving plate. Accompany with warm pita breads and tzatziki sauce for guests to assemble their own wraps.
Notes
- Mix meat gently to avoid tough kebabs, as overworking can make the texture dense and chewy.
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor, grinding whole cumin and coriander seeds just before mixing for a brighter taste profile.
- When shaping kebabs, wet your hands slightly to prevent meat from sticking and help create smooth, uniform skewers.
- For gluten-free adaptation, serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of traditional pita bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beef
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg