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Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe Easy Homemade with Mint Yogurt Sauce

beef kofta kebabs - featured image

Juicy spiced beef kofta kebabs paired with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers 30 minutes before use)
  • For the Mint Yogurt Sauce:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients (10 minutes): Finely grate the onion, mince garlic, and chop fresh parsley and mint. Set aside.
  2. Mix the Beef Mixture (5 minutes): In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly by hand.
  3. Shape the Kofta Kebabs (10 minutes): Divide mixture into 8 equal portions. Wet hands slightly and mold each portion around a skewer into a long oval shape about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place kebabs on a tray and chill for 15 minutes.
  4. Make the Mint Yogurt Sauce (5 minutes): In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped mint, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan (5 minutes): Heat to medium-high and brush grill grates or pan with olive oil.
  6. Cook the Kebabs (8-10 minutes): Grill kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Avoid pressing down on kebabs.
  7. Rest and Serve (5 minutes): Let kebabs rest off heat for a few minutes. Serve hot with mint yogurt sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Avoid overworking the meat to keep kebabs tender. Chill shaped kebabs before grilling to help them hold their shape. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Mint yogurt sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for better flavor melding. If mixture is too soft, add a tablespoon of fine breadcrumbs or chickpea flour to bind.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef kofta, kebabs, mint yogurt sauce, grilled beef, Middle Eastern recipe, easy kebabs, homemade kofta