Description
These juicy Beef Kafta Kebabs are a flavorful Middle Eastern delight made with ground beef, fresh parsley, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and cinnamon. Grilled to perfection, they’re ideal for quick dinners or festive gatherings. This kafta kebab recipe is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for wraps, rice bowls, or salads.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (85/15)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne (optional)
Instructions
1. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and parsley. Squeeze excess moisture from the onion using a paper towel.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, parsley, garlic, and all spices. Mix gently by hand until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture around skewers into 5–6 inch long ovals. Without skewers, shape into small logs.
4. Chill the shaped kafta in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up.
5. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
6. Grill the kafta kebabs for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
7. Serve warm with pita, rice, salads, or dips like tzatziki or garlic yogurt.
Notes
Use a food processor to speed up chopping and create a finer mix.
Avoid overmixing the beef to keep kebabs tender.
Chill the shaped kebabs before grilling to prevent them from falling apart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kebab
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg