• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Unicorns in the Kitchen

Easy family approved recipes from our Kitchen to yours. Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean recipes made easy with fresh ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

  • Recipe Index
  • Mediterranean Recipes
  • The Mediterranean Weeknight Dinners eCookbook
  • About
    • Work with Us
    • Contact
  • Recipe Index
  • Mediterranean Recipes
  • The Mediterranean Weeknight Dinners eCookbook
  • About
    • Work with Us
    • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Mediterranean Recipes
  • The Mediterranean Weeknight Dinners eCookbook
  • About
    • Work with Us
    • Contact
  • ×

    Home » Mediterranean recipes

    Kofta Kebab Recipe

    Published: Apr 19, 2021 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    2250 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Kofta kebab is a classic Middle Eastern recipe that's packed with flavor. It calls for a handful of ingredients and is ready in no time. Learn how to make this dish with my step by step tutorial and video. 

    This is the best kofta kebab recipe! So easy and simple, made with just a few ingredients and ready in no time! These koftas are juicy and so delicious. For the perfect meal serve them with pita, salad and a delicious yogurt sauce.

    Every Middle Eastern dish is a feast of flavors! From shish kabobs, beef shawarma and chicken shawarma to the good old falafel, Middle Eastern food is always my go-to. This easy kofta kebab recipe is another classic recipe that you will love. I have included instructions on how to cook it in the stove, on the grill, and even in the oven. This is indeed one of my favorite Middle Eastern ground beef recipes!

    Table Of Contents:
    • What Is Kofta Kebab?
    • Kofta Kebab Ingredients
    • The Secret To Juicy Koftas
    • How to make kofta kebab
    • Grilling instructions
    • Baking instructions
    • Serving suggestions
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Freezing instructions
    • Notes and tips
    • More Ground Beef Recipes
    • Step-by-Step Recipe

    I grew up eating kebabs regularly, as it is a common dish in Iran. When I moved to Istanbul, Turkey, I saw a form of ground meat kebab that I practically fell in love with: kofta kebab. After a lot of recipe testing, I created this delicious and juicy easy recipe that you can make at home using pantry staples. 

    What Is Kofta Kebab?

    Kofte kebab or kefte kebab is a type of meatball that is usually made with ground meat such as lamb, mutton, beef or chicken (check out our chicken kofta recipe) and a combination of spices, the flavor is very similar to the filling used to make Lebanese arayes.

    Onion is traditionally added to the mixture to keep it moist and flavorful. It's a common dish in the Middle East and the Mediterranean as well as parts of India and South East Asia. Kofta tends to take different forms when served in different regions of the world.

    The Origin Of The Name

    The word kofta comes from Persian verb koftan (کوفتن) which means "to pound" - which captures the idea that ground meat is compressed to make meatballs. Over time, the word blended into other languages and dialects with minor changes to pronunciation. Kofta is common in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries ranging from Iran and Turkey to Lebanon and Egypt. Each country has its own method of making koftas (take Greek keftedes as an example) and each cuisine uses a different combination of spices. 

    This is the best kofta kebab recipe! So easy and simple, made with just a few ingredients and ready in no time! These koftas are juicy and so delicious. For the perfect meal serve them with pita, salad and a delicious yogurt sauce.

    Kofta Kebab Ingredients

    To make homemade beef kofta kebab, you need the following ingredients:

    • Onion: We are going to use grated onion and its juice in this recipe. That's where all the flavor is!
    • Stale bread: You can use white or whole wheat bread.
    • Ground beef: I suggest using 85% or 90% lean ground beef. It's also possible to use ground lamb to make koftas. More on that in the FAQ section below.
    • Parsley: Herbs add such nice and fresh flavor to these patties!
    • Spices: You need cumin, coriander, cinnamon, dried mint, salt and pepper. You can find dried mint online or at any Middle Eastern or Mediterranean shop.
    This is the best kofta kebab recipe! So easy and simple, made with just a few ingredients and ready in no time! These koftas are juicy and so delicious. For the perfect meal serve them with pita, salad and a delicious yogurt sauce.

    The Secret To Juicy Koftas

    The most important step in this recipe is to soak bread in onion juice. The bread absorbs all the onion flavor and will make the kofta even tastier. Some recipes call for soaking the bread in milk or water but after testing all methods, I can vouch that soaking it in onion juice gives the best results. 

    How to make kofta kebab

    Making this easy ground beef kebab at home is very simple and doesn't take much time:

    Soak the bread in onion juice

    Grate the onion in a bowl. Squeeze the grated onion over a bowl to save the juice. Place the squeezed onion aside. Place a piece of stale bread in the onion juice and make sure all parts are soaked in the juice. Let it sit for 10 minutes. 

    Make the mixture

    In a large bowl mix ground beef, grated onion, parsley and the spices. Add in the soaked bread and knead well until all the ingredients are fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to one hour. 

    Sear the patties

    Place a pan over medium heat and brush with some olive oil. Form the meat mixture into patties and cook in the pan for about 4 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

    mix ground beef with onion and spices add soaked bread. Form and fry in oil serve with pita and salad.

    Grilling instructions

    If the weather permits, you can grill these on a gas grill. Turn the gas grill on to medium high and once it's hot, brush it with olive oil and place the kofta kebabs on the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes on one side, flip and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side. 

    Baking instructions

    It's also possible to cook these ground beef koftas in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400ºF and coat a baking sheet with non stick spray. Place the patties on the baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flip halfway through. 

    Serving suggestions

    You can serve kofta kebab in a few different ways. Traditionally, these is served with a side of mujadara or white rice or wrapped in a warm pita or lavash with some tzatziki, sumac onion, quick pickled cabbage, a simple classic Greek salad or fresh tomatoes, onion, parsley and pickles.

    In Turkey, restaurants sometimes serve kofte with a side of bulgur pilaf, sumac onions or cacik which balances the meal. You can also serve these homemade beef koftas with fattoush salad, some warm naan and drizzle with our tasty tahini sauce, ezme, pickled turnips or toum for a complete meal. This recipe also goes very well with Mediterranean roasted vegetables or easy Lebanese rice with vermicelli.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is there a difference between kofta kebab and shish kabob?

    Shish kebab usually uses chunks of meat, chicken or even seafood, and is always threaded on a skewer. But kofta kebab is always made with ground meat (usually lamb or beef) and either threaded on a skewer or formed into patties and grilled. 

    Can I use all lamb or all beef?

    As mentioned above, traditionally these patties is made with ground lamb so if you like the flavor of lamb, you can use it in this recipe. I usually do a combination of 50-50 ground lamb and ground beef which is pretty tasty because you have the tasty lamb but it's balanced with ground beef. You can also use just ground beef as we have done in this recipe. 

    Do I need skewers to make kofta kebab?

    In some regions, chefs prepare this recipe using skewers. However, in other places like Turkey, you will find kefte kebab in the shape of patties and skewer kebab is a different recipe (we will cover that soon!). 
    If you would like to make this recipe using skewers, take a fistful of the meat mixture and form it into an oval ball. Insert a skewer (flat or regular) into the ball and then form the mixture into a flat log around the skewer. You might want to wet your hands a little bit so the meat doesn't stick your fingers. Make sure the kebabs are not too thick - otherwise they won't cook evenly. 

    Can I double the recipe?

    Absolutely! If you're feeding a crowd or like to have leftovers, simply double or triple the recipe.

    Freezing instructions

    Make the meat mixture, scoop out the mixture using a cookie scoop and form it into small disks. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for one hour. Then transfer them into freezer safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. 

    To cook, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight (do not defrost in the microwave) and follow the instructions in the recipe to grill them or bake them. 

    Notes and tips

    • To make gluten free kofta kebab, use gluten free bread to soak in the onion juice. 
    • Don't be shy when it comes to kneading the meat. The stickier the meat gets, the better the flavor!
    • The traditional way to prepare kofta is in a large bowl using one's hands. However, you can use your food processor to mix all the ingredients. 
    • It's best to use all the spices mentioned in the recipe if possible. The spices work very well together and create an amazing flavor in every bite. 
    This is the best kofta kebab recipe! So easy and simple, made with just a few ingredients and ready in no time! These koftas are juicy and so delicious. For the perfect meal serve them with pita, salad and a delicious yogurt sauce.

    More Ground Beef Recipes

    • Kabab Tabei is a delicious dish that you can make if you like to have kebabs but you don't want to use a grill or you don't have one. It's simple and can be ready in an hour with a handful of ingredients!
      Kabab Tabei - Persian Pan Kebab
    • Karniyarik Turkish Stuffed Eggplant Recipe [Video]
    • ground beef stew Turkish style served with rice.
      Ground Beef Stew, Turkish Style
    • Lahmacun Turkish Pizza Recipe

    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Kofta Kebab Recipe (Video Tutorial)

    Shadi HasanzadeNemati
    Kofta kebab is a classic Middle Eastern ground beef recipe that's packed with flavor. Learn how to make kofta kebab with my step by step tutorial and video. 
    4.94 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Chilling time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine middle eastern
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 476 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 large yellow onion
    • 1 slice bread stale
    • 2 lb ground beef
    • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon coriander
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon dried mint
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil

    Instructions
     

    • Peel the onion and grate it in a bowl.
    • Squeeze the onion completely and save the juice. Place the squeezed onion in a large bowl.
    • Soak the bread in the onion juice for about 10 minutes.
    • To the grated onion, add ground beef, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, cinnamon and dried mint. Mix well to make sure all the ingredients are well mixed.
    • Add in the soaked bread and mix well. Knead the meat mixture using your hands.
    • Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and place the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
    • Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
    • Form the meat mixture into patties and sear in the pan for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
    • Serve with warm pita, yogurt sauce, fresh tomatoes, onion and cucumbers.

    Video

    Notes

    • If you would like to make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten free bread. 
    • You can use all lamb, all beef or a combination of lamb and beef in this recipe. 
    Kofta kebabs on the grill:
    • Turn the gas grill on to medium high.
    • Once it's hot, brush it with olive oil and place the kofta kebabs on the grill.
    • Grill for about 5 minutes on one side, flip and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side. 
    Kofta kebab in oven
    • Preheat the oven to 400ºF and coat a baking sheet with non stick spray.
    • Place the kofta kebab patties on the baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil.
    • Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flip halfway through. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6servingsCalories: 476kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 42gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 549mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
    Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!
    « Easy Aioli Recipe From Scratch
    Easy Ratatouille Recipe »
    2250 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ned

      May 30, 2023 at 8:53 pm

      5 stars
      What an awesome recipe! I am planning to make it again!

      Reply
    2. Gina Abernathy

      May 30, 2023 at 8:19 pm

      5 stars
      Nice and tasty. A great recipe the whole family enjoyed.

      Reply
    3. Elizabeth

      May 30, 2023 at 6:14 pm

      5 stars
      The onion and parsley give this dish a terrific flavor. The clear step-by-step instructions and photos makes this recipe so easy to try!

      Reply
    4. Maggie

      May 30, 2023 at 5:21 pm

      So so yummy! I have been looking for a good kofta recipe. Can't wait to try this.

      Reply
    5. Kathy D Hampton

      March 31, 2023 at 9:43 am

      Making Kofta tonight. Can I make the patties in the morning and grill in the afternoon?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        April 01, 2023 at 12:52 pm

        You sure can!

        Reply
    6. Jen

      May 19, 2022 at 9:03 am

      5 stars
      I had kofta at a restaurant a while back and fell in love! Super excited to make these kofta kebas at home - thanks for the awesome recipe! xoxo

      Reply
      • Saif

        May 31, 2023 at 3:54 am

        5 stars
        I love Kofta Kebab. Brings me back memory when I was living in Kuwait. Kebab there was abundant and delicious. They serve perfectly with pita bread. Thanks for sharing this delicious Kofta Kebab.

        Reply
    7. Taylor

      May 19, 2022 at 8:11 am

      5 stars
      Super easy and SO delicious! Tastes just as good as my favorite local Mediterranean restaurant. Served with yogurt sauce and it was just perfect!

      Reply
    8. Rebecca

      December 06, 2021 at 9:56 pm

      What recipe for yogurt sauce?

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        January 25, 2022 at 7:32 am

        It's simply a combo of yogurt, a bit of grated garlic, salt and dried mint.

        Reply
    9. Nellie Tracy

      May 11, 2021 at 8:37 am

      5 stars
      Looks like a fabulous recipe! Have them on my menu for tomorrow, yum!

      Reply
    10. Marsha

      May 11, 2021 at 8:32 am

      5 stars
      I can't wait to make these! They look so good.

      Reply
    11. Tony G

      October 29, 2020 at 10:49 am

      5 stars
      Hi there! Would it work to freeze these for my meal preps?

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        November 09, 2020 at 2:37 am

        Hi Tony! Yes! These freeze so well!

        Reply
    12. Norma

      July 06, 2020 at 9:35 pm

      What no fresh garlic? How come? My favorite Turkish restaurant in the DC area made fortas on skewers and then served them in flattened logs and made them out of lamb. They were delicious!!

      Reply
      • Norma

        July 06, 2020 at 9:39 pm

        Sorry for the typo fortas, meant to type koftas. Why does the print on your site for comments come up so small and so light, that it is impossible to read while typing?

        Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        July 29, 2022 at 1:30 pm

        Hi Norma, the use of garlic in kofta changes depending on the region and recipes, of course, you can use garlic if preferred. As for the font, it's part of the website set up and theme 🙂

        Reply
    13. Erica Schwarz

      October 30, 2019 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh! My favorite local lunch restaurant makes kofta, but I don't get to get there often. Now I can make kofta at home myself. LOVE this recipe!

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        October 31, 2019 at 8:40 am

        Thank you Erica! Enjoy!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Unicorns in the Kitchen, where we share delicious recipes from our kitchen to yours. You’re in for a delicious adventure and collection of unique and tasty recipes.

    Read more...

    Readers Favorites!

    • Turkish Bulgur Pilaf Recipe
    • Easy Lavash Bread Recipe
    • Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)
    • Greek Eggplant Moussaka Recipe

    Latest Recipes

    • Harissa grilled chicken thighs
      Harissa Grilled Chicken Thighs
    • Mediterranean grilled pizza recipe.
      Mediterranean Grilled Pizza Recipe
    • Our best chickpea recipes.
      Our Best Chickpea Recipes
    • Harissa is a classic Tunisian paste that's very spicy.
      Homemade Harissa Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • About US

    All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images or recipes without prior permission. Read about privacy policy and copyright Here. Our site contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting.

    Copyright 2019, All rights reserved.
    Read about privacy policy and copyright Here.