Beef Kofta Kebabs Cucumber Yogurt (Print Version)
Spiced beef kofta grilled and served alongside a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Kofta Kebabs
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
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 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 tsp ground allspice
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
14 - 2 tbsp plain breadcrumbs
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
16 - 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
17 - 1/2 medium cucumber, seeded and finely grated
18 - 1 clove garlic, minced
19 - 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
20 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
21 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
22 - 1/2 tsp salt
23 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Serving Suggestions
24 - Warm pita bread or gluten-free flatbread
25 - Sliced red onion, tomatoes, and fresh herbs
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and olive oil in a large bowl. Mix until fully combined without overworking the meat.
02 - Divide mixture into 8 equal portions. Using damp hands, shape each portion around a skewer into a 5-inch long oval.
03 - Place kebabs on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to set shape.
04 - Combine Greek yogurt, squeezed grated cucumber, garlic, mint, dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
05 - Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush kebabs lightly with olive oil.
06 - Grill kebabs for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until browned and cooked through.
07 - Serve hot kebabs with cucumber yogurt sauce, pita or flatbread, and accompaniments.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice blend hits every notewarm, smoky, slightly sweetand transforms humble ground beef into something extraordinary
- That creamy cucumber sauce cuts through the rich meat like a cool breeze on a hot day
02 -
- Wet hands are your best friend when shapingprevent meat from sticking and help achieve smooth, even kebabs
- Soaking wooden skewers for 30 minutes keeps them from burning and disintegrating on the grill
03 -
- Mix a tablespoon of grated zucchini into the meat for extra moisture without altering flavor
- The sauce actually tastes better made a day ahead, giving herbs time to marry