Name: Kofta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or lamb; 1 small onion, finely grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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If you’re dreaming of juicy, flavor-packed meat skewers that transport you straight to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine, this Kofta Recipe is your ticket. With a harmony of fresh herbs and fragrant spices, every bite boasts a tender interior and a beautifully grilled exterior—perfect for lively weeknights or festive gatherings. Prepare for plenty of table-side compliments because these koftas are about to become your new go-to favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Kofta Recipe is in its simplicity: each ingredient is purposefully chosen to provide unmistakable flavor, alluring aroma, and irresistible juiciness. Don’t worry about complicated shopping lists; these kitchen staples come together to create magic.

Ground beef or lamb: Delivers rich flavor and a satisfying, tender bite—choose lamb for tradition, or combine both for extra depth.
Small onion (finely grated): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture, helping bind everything together beautifully.
Garlic (minced): Lends that signature pungent warmth you expect in a great kofta.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a clean, green brightness and balances the robust spices.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds a citrusy note and lively color—don’t skimp if you love fresh herbs!
Ground cumin: Earthy and bold, providing classic depth that anchors the spice mix.
Ground coriander: Offers gentle zest and a delicate floral hint that’s utterly crave-worthy.
Ground cinnamon: Just a whisper of sweetness and warmth to round out the flavor profile.
Ground paprika: Brings vibrant color and a smoky backnote—smoked paprika works great too!
Cayenne pepper (optional): For a little heat, if you like your kofta with a spicy kick.
Salt: Essential for unlocking every bit of savory flavor in the mix.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle bite and balances the other spices.
Olive oil (for cooking): Helps achieve that mouthwatering seared exterior and keeps the koftas juicy.

How to Make Kofta Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meat and Seasonings

Start by placing your choice of ground meat—beef, lamb, or a 50/50 blend—into a spacious mixing bowl. Add the finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, and all those beautiful spices: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Using your hands is key here; you want to mix everything together gently but thoroughly, distributing those aromatic herbs and spices so every bite of your Kofta Recipe bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Shape the Koftas

With clean, damp hands, divide your mixture into equal portions. For the most authentic experience, shape them into oval patties or elongated cylinders. If you’re grilling, this is where you slide them onto metal or soaked wooden skewers—it’s fun, hands-on, and perfect for presentation. Shaping the koftas slightly larger than meatballs ensures they stay juicy inside yet caramelize beautifully on the outside.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, or preheat your grill. Lay the koftas in carefully and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before turning. You’re looking for deep browning and crisp edges, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes in total (turning occasionally so they’re golden on all sides). Prefer baking? Pop them in a 400°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing by now!

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once cooked through, let the koftas rest for a few minutes. This crucial pause ensures maximum juiciness. Arrange them on a platter or serve directly off the skewers, piping hot and ready for their grand debut at your table.

How to Serve Kofta Recipe

Garnishes

Set your Kofta Recipe apart with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of sumac or smoked paprika for color. A squeeze of lemon instantly brightens up the flavors and makes every bite unforgettable. If you have toasted pine nuts, a quick scatter over the top adds lovely crunch.

Side Dishes

These koftas are a dream alongside warm pita bread or fluffy rice pilaf. Tangy yogurt sauce or a zesty tzatziki is perfect for dipping and cooling off the spices. You can also lay out a simple chopped salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making kofta wraps: tuck the hot koftas into toasted flatbreads with lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of yogurt sauce. For a mezze platter, slice them into bite-sized pieces and serve with roasted vegetables, hummus, and pickles. Or, skewer mini koftas for savory party appetizers—watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra koftas (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty and moist for up to three days, making for quick lunches or easy midweek dinners.

Freezing

This Kofta Recipe is incredibly freezer-friendly. Assemble and cook the koftas, then let them cool completely. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever a kofta craving strikes!

Reheating

To bring your koftas back to life, gently reheat them in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth for moisture. You can also pop them in the oven at 300°F until warmed through—just avoid microwaving for too long, as that can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use other meats for this Kofta Recipe?

Absolutely! While beef and lamb create the most authentic texture and flavor, you can also try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter take. Just be aware that leaner meats may need extra moisture—add a tablespoon of yogurt or grated onion for tenderness.

Do I need skewers to shape the koftas?

Not at all—skewers are traditional and look beautiful, but you can simply hand-shape the kofta mixture into logs or patties for stovetop or oven baking. Both versions are delicious!

What’s the secret to juicy koftas?

The combination of grated onion, fresh herbs, and the right fat content in your ground meat helps keep koftas delightfully juicy. Mixing gently also prevents overworking the proteins, which can make them tough.

Can I prepare the Kofta Recipe mixture in advance?

Yes, you can mix and shape the koftas up to a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate until cooking. This not only makes dinner even easier, but also allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

How spicy is this Kofta Recipe?

That’s entirely up to you! The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can dial the heat up or down to suit your taste. Leaving it out creates a warmly spiced, family-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall in love with this Kofta Recipe—every bite is bursting with savory herbs, gentle spices, and that incredible grill-seared flavor. Give it a try and watch it become a treasured staple around your table, whether for weekday feasts or special celebrations. Happy cooking!

Kofta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and aromatic kofta recipe made with a blend of ground meat and Middle Eastern spices, perfect for grilling or stovetop cooking. Serve these delicious koftas with pita bread, rice, or a side of yogurt sauce for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef or lamb
1 small onion, finely grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Spices:

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking:

2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until fully incorporated.
Shape the Koftas: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into oval patties or sausage-like shapes around skewers if grilling.
Cook the Koftas: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat or preheat a grill. Cook the koftas for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Serve: Enjoy hot koftas with pita bread, rice, or a side of yogurt sauce.