Beef Kofta Kebabs Yogurt Sauce (Printable version)
Spiced ground beef kebabs grilled and served with a cool, fragrant yogurt sauce and fresh herbs.
# What You'll Need:
→ Kofta Kebabs
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 1 small onion, finely grated
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp ground coriander
08 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
09 - ½ tsp ground allspice
10 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
11 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - ½ tsp black pepper
14 - 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for grilling)
→ Yogurt Sauce
15 - 1 cup Greek yogurt
16 - 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
17 - 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
18 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
19 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
20 - ½ tsp salt
21 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ To Serve
22 - Lemon wedges
23 - Sliced red onion
24 - Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves
# Directions:
01 - Combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, smoked paprika, cayenne (if used), salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly by hand without overworking.
02 - Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Mold each portion around a skewer into an elongated oval shape approximately 5 inches long.
03 - Refrigerate the shaped kebabs for 15 minutes to firm up and hold shape during cooking.
04 - Combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, mint, dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
05 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Lightly brush grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
06 - Cook kebabs on the grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.
07 - Plate the hot kebabs accompanied by yogurt sauce, lemon wedges, sliced red onion, and fresh herbs.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- It’s that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh that keeps folks coming back for more
- The yogurt sauce adds a refreshing twist that feels like a little cool breeze on a hot day
02 -
- Don’t skip chilling kebabs before grilling — it’s what keeps them firm and juicy
- The yogurt sauce tastes even better if made at least an hour ahead so flavors have time to deepen
03 -
- Using a mix of fresh herbs adds layers of flavor that keep this recipe from feeling one-note
- Grilling on medium-high heat ensures a tasty crust without drying out the meat