Beef Kofta Kebabs Yogurt Sauce (Printable)
Spiced beef kofta kebabs grilled and accompanied by a refreshing, tangy yogurt sauce and fresh herbs.
# What You Need:
→ Kofta Kebabs
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
02 - 1 small onion, grated
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp ground coriander
08 - 1 tsp ground paprika
09 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
10 - ½ tsp ground allspice
11 - ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
14 - 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
→ Yogurt Sauce
15 - ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
16 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
17 - 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
18 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
19 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
20 - ¼ tsp salt
21 - Pinch of ground black pepper
→ For Serving
22 - Sliced red onion
23 - Fresh parsley or cilantro
24 - Lemon wedges
# How To Cook:
01 - In a large bowl, mix ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, optional chili flakes, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until evenly incorporated without overworking the mixture.
02 - Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With wet hands, shape each into a long oval log around a skewer, flattening slightly for even cooking.
03 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the kebabs with olive oil to prevent sticking.
04 - Cook the kebabs for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
05 - Combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; whisk until smooth.
06 - Plate the hot kofta kebabs with yogurt sauce, sliced red onion, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This recipe feels like a secret handshake with flavor, perfectly spiced yet so simple to whip up on a weeknight
- It became a favorite when friends couldn’t stop asking for seconds and the yogurt sauce adds that fresh, tangy touch that keeps everything in balance
02 -
- Don’t overmix the meat—too much handling makes the koftas tough rather than tender
- Resting the shaped kebabs in the fridge even for 30 minutes firms them up and makes grilling easier
03 -
- Use wet hands when shaping the koftas to prevent sticking and to get a nice smooth finish
- The key secret is balancing spices and fresh herbs perfectly; don’t rush the chopping of parsley and cilantro they bring the dish alive