Description
Tender, juicy beef kafta kebabs packed with aromatic spices, parsley, and mint. This easy homemade recipe ensures the meat stays on the skewer and delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavor with a simple kneading technique.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) Ground Beef (80/20)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely minced and squeezed dry)
- 1 cup Fresh Parsley (packed, flat-leaf)
- ½ cup Fresh Mint (packed, optional)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup (30g) Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Finely mince the onion and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, squeezed onions, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mint, breadcrumbs, baking soda, and all spices.
- Knead the meat mixture by hand for 5-7 minutes until it becomes sticky and paste-like.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to firm up the fat.
- Wet your hands with cold water. Take a golf-ball-sized portion of meat, flatten it, wrap it around a skewer, and shape it into a long cylindrical log.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C) and oil the grates thoroughly.
- Grill the kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and juices run clear.
- Let the kebabs rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Squeezing the onions dry is crucial to prevent the kebabs from falling apart. Kneading the meat until sticky develops proteins that hold the kebab together. If using wood skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Keep hands wet when shaping to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 skewers per pers
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: kafta, beef kebabs, grilled meat, middle eastern recipe, summer grilling, easy dinner, high protein, gluten-free option