Beef Kofta Kebabs Cucumber Yogurt (Printable)
Grilled spiced beef koftas paired with a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip for a tasty Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
# What's Needed:
→ Beef Kofta Kebabs
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
02 - 1 small onion, finely grated
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
11 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
12 - 1 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
→ Cucumber Yogurt Dip
16 - 1 cup Greek yogurt
17 - 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
18 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
19 - 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
20 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
21 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
22 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
23 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, mix ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, allspice, chili flakes if using, salt, black pepper, and breadcrumbs until evenly combined without overworking the meat.
02 - Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and, with damp hands, shape each into an oval or sausage form around a skewer, pressing firmly to compact the meat.
03 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and brush the koftas lightly with olive oil.
04 - Cook the kebabs for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
05 - While the koftas grill, combine Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, dill, mint, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until serving.
06 - Plate the hot kofta kebabs alongside the chilled cucumber yogurt dip. Optionally garnish with additional fresh herbs.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- The spice blend is warm and complex without being heavy, which somehow makes these disappear faster than you'd expect.
- That cucumber yogurt dip is genuinely refreshing and transforms everything it touches.
- You can have dinner ready in about 35 minutes, from raw ingredients to plated.
02 -
- Don't overwork the meat mixture, or the koftas will become dense and tough; stop mixing as soon as everything is combined.
- Wooden skewers absolutely must soak for 30 minutes, or they'll burn and taste like charcoal before the meat finishes cooking.
- The dip tastes better if it sits in the fridge for at least 15 minutes; the flavors settle and bloom instead of tasting sharp.
03 -
- If you have access to sumac, a light sprinkle on top adds a tangy brightness that makes people ask what that flavor is.
- Prep both the meat mixture and the dip a few hours ahead; your cooking time becomes just the grilling, which is the easiest part.