Juicy, savory, and packed with the irresistible flavors of herbs and warm spices, these authentic Kafta Kebabs will transport your tastebuds straight to the heart of the Middle East. Tender ground beef, aromatic parsley, and a sprinkle of seven spice come together in this easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknight grilling—or a special gathering that needs a little sizzle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor Explosion: Every bite bursts with bright herbs, fragrant spices, and juicy meat, making Kafta Kebabs a true crowd-pleaser.
- Quick & Weeknight-Friendly: From prepping to grilling, you’ll have an impressive dish on the table in less than half an hour!
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: A handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients transforms into something absolutely unforgettable.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether rolled into patties or skewered for the grill, these kebabs make any meal feel special and communal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a few quality ingredients stand between you and homemade Kafta Kebabs! Each one is essential—not only for flavor, but for creating that classic texture and vibrant color that makes this dish a must-make again and again.
- Yellow Onion: Adds moisture and gentle sweetness to balance the richness of the beef.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings freshness, color, and a herby brightness that lifts the whole kebab.
- Lean Ground Beef: The base of the Kafta Kebabs—look for 85–90% lean for the best blend of flavor and tenderness.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors in the kebab.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances out the other spices beautifully.
- Seven Spice: This aromatic Middle Eastern blend is the secret to authentic kafta flavor. (You can substitute with allspice if needed.)
- Cayenne: For just a hint of gentle heat—feel free to adjust to suit your spice preference!
Variations
If you like experimenting, Kafta Kebabs are fantastically flexible! Feel free to swap meats, play with spices, or adjust the shape to suit your mood or dietary needs. There’s no wrong way to enjoy these irresistible kebabs!
- Kafta Patties or Burgers: Skip the skewers and shape the kafta mixture into thick oval patties or even round burger shapes for easy grilling or baking.
- Switch Up the Protein: Substitute half the beef for ground lamb, or try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter spin on classic Kafta Kebabs.
- No Seven Spice? No Problem: If you can’t find seven spice, use allspice or make your own blend with cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Oven-Baked Version: No grill? Simply bake your kafta on a parchment-lined tray at 375ºF for about 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Add Some Veggies: Sneak in finely chopped bell peppers or a handful of mint for a vibrant twist!
How to Make Kafta Kebabs
Step 1: Blend Onion & Parsley
Start by pulsing the quartered yellow onion and washed, dried parsley in your food processor until they’re finely chopped. This easy combo infuses the meat with bursts of fresh flavor and ensures those little green flecks are perfectly distributed throughout your Kafta Kebabs.
Step 2: Make the Kafta Mixture
Transfer the chopped onion and parsley to a large mixing bowl. Add your ground beef, salt, black pepper, seven spice, and cayenne. Dig in with clean hands and thoroughly mix everything together—your secret weapon for perfectly tender kebabs is mixing just enough to combine, without over-working the meat.
Step 3: Shape Onto Skewers
Grab a palmful of the kafta mixture and mold it tightly around each skewer, forming cylinders about an inch to an inch and a half thick. Making sure the meat sticks well is key—press firmly as you shape each kebab for best results. (No skewers? Shape them into thick oval patties instead!)
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high and brush with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the kafta kebabs directly over the heat. Grill for about 4 minutes per side—turning carefully—until beautifully charred and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re deeply browned and sizzling with irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Serve & Savor
Transfer your Kafta Kebabs straight from the grill to your serving platter and dig in while they’re hot and juicy. These are truly best enjoyed immediately, garnished and paired with your favorite sides!
Pro Tips for Making Kafta Kebabs
- Water-Soaked Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 30 minutes before shaping the kafta—this keeps the sticks from burning on the grill.
- Handle with a Gentle Touch: Don’t over-mix the meat! More gentle mixing means more tender, juicier Kafta Kebabs once cooked.
- Even Thickness, Even Cooking: When shaping your kebabs, try to keep them an even thickness from end to end—this helps them grill up perfectly juicy all the way through.
- Use the Metal Skewer Advantage: Metal skewers transfer a little extra heat inside, which can help your meat cook faster and come off the stick more easily.
How to Serve Kafta Kebabs
Garnishes
For that authentic Middle Eastern experience, sprinkle your Kafta Kebabs with fresh chopped parsley, sumac, or a squeeze of lemon right before serving. A little drizzle of tahini sauce or a spoonful of yogurt makes for a creamy, tangy finishing touch!
Side Dishes
Pile fresh grilled kafta alongside warm pita bread, a crisp fattoush salad, or fluffy rice pilaf. Don’t forget classic hummus, tabbouleh, or grilled veggies—these sides soak up the flavorful juices and make your meal feel like an instant family feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Kafta Kebabs into a DIY wrap bar with different toppings, or serve them “mezze style” on a large sharing platter with lots of little dips and breads. For a fun twist, shape the mixture into mini sliders and offer with a rainbow medley of fresh herbs and pickles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Kafta Kebabs keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days—they’re just as tasty cold, tucked into a pita or tossed on a salad, as they are served fresh off the grill.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? Freeze uncooked or cooked kafta tightly wrapped, for up to three months. If you’re freezing raw, shape them first—then thaw overnight before grilling or baking for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm kebabs gently in a 300ºF oven or on the stovetop until heated through. A splash of broth or water and covering them will help keep them moist and succulent.
FAQs
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Can I make Kafta Kebabs without a grill?
Absolutely! You can shape kafta into patties and bake them in a 375ºF oven for 15–20 minutes, or cook them in a skillet over medium heat. They’ll be just as juicy and full of flavor.
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What can I use instead of seven spice?
If you can’t find pre-mixed seven spice, substitute with allspice—or make a homemade blend using cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and a touch of clove for a close authentic flavor.
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Can I prepare the kafta mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix and shape the kafta up to a day ahead. Store them on a tray, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to grill or bake—it’s a fantastic way to get ahead for parties!
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Are Kafta Kebabs gluten-free?
They are naturally gluten-free since the recipe contains no breadcrumbs or flour. Always check that your seven spice blend is gluten-free if buying it pre-made.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with these Kafta Kebabs as much as my family has—they’re full of warmth, spice, and Middle Eastern comfort. Give them a try soon, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with friends. Happy grilling!
Print
Kafta Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 5 kebabs 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Kafta Kebabs recipe is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made with ground beef and flavorful spices. Perfect for grilling or baking, these kebabs are juicy and packed with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 1 cup fresh parsley, washed and patted dry
- 600 grams ground beef, lean
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon seven spice pre-mixed spice blend
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, more to taste
Instructions
- Chop Onion and Parsley: In a food processor, pulse quartered onion and fresh parsley until finely chopped.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped parsley and onion, and spices. Mix thoroughly.
- Form Kebabs: Mold meat mixture around skewers, approximately 1-1.5 inches thick.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook kebabs for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- If using wood skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before use.
- Seven spice can be substituted with allspice.
- Kafta can be shaped into patties for burgers or baked in the oven at 375ºF for 15-20 minutes.
- Leftover Kafta can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kebab
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
