Lebanese Kafta Kebabs

Lebanese Kafta Kebabs: Juicy & Flavorful Middle Eastern Skewers
If you love grilled, juicy, and perfectly seasoned meat, then Lebanese Kafta Kebabs are a must-try! These Middle Eastern-style skewers are made with ground beef or lamb, fresh herbs, and warm spices, creating an incredibly flavorful and tender dish that’s perfect for grilling or pan-searing.
Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, backyard BBQ, or a festive gathering, kafta kebabs are easy to make, full of bold flavors, and pair beautifully with rice, pita, or fresh salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Middle Eastern Flavors – Traditional Lebanese spices and fresh parsley give them a signature taste.
- Juicy & Tender – The perfect mix of meat and seasonings ensures they stay moist and flavorful.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and no fancy equipment needed.
- Great for Grilling or Stovetop – Cook them on a BBQ, grill pan, or even in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Kafta Mixture:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
- ½ medium onion, finely grated
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds depth)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving:
- Warm pita bread or rice
- Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum) or tzatziki
- Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Kafta Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, garlic, and all spices.
- Drizzle in olive oil and mix everything well with your hands until fully combined.
- Cover and let the mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Shape the Kafta
- Divide the meat mixture into 6-8 portions.
- Shape each portion into a long sausage shape around a skewer, pressing firmly so it holds.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
3. Cook the Kafta
Grill Method (Best for Smoky Flavor)
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating until fully cooked and charred.
Stovetop Method
- Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the kafta skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place kafta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway, until fully cooked.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve with pita, rice, fresh vegetables, and your favorite Middle Eastern dips.
How to Serve Lebanese Kafta Kebabs
- In a Wrap: Stuff warm pita bread with kafta, fresh veggies, and tahini or tzatziki sauce.
- With Rice: Serve over a bed of fragrant basmati rice with grilled tomatoes and onions.
- As a Platter: Pair with hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh for a complete Middle Eastern feast.
Tips for Perfect Kafta Kebabs
- Use Fresh Herbs & Spices – Fresh parsley and aromatic spices are key to authentic flavor.
- Grate the Onion, Don’t Chop It – This keeps the kafta extra moist.
- Chill Before Cooking – Letting the mixture rest helps the flavors meld and makes shaping easier.
- Avoid Overmixing – Mix just until combined to keep the texture tender.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store cooked kafta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze raw or cooked kafta for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Lebanese Kafta Kebabs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them grilled, pan-seared, or baked, they bring bold Middle Eastern flavors to your table with minimal effort.
So, fire up the grill and enjoy a taste of Lebanon today!
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Lebanese Kafta Kebabs
Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, backyard BBQ, or a festive gathering, kafta kebabs are easy to make, full of bold flavors, and pair beautifully with rice, pita, or fresh salads.
Ingredients
For the Kafta Mixture:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
- ½ medium onion, finely grated
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds depth)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving:
- Warm pita bread or rice
- Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum) or tzatziki
- Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Kafta Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, garlic, and all spices.
- Drizzle in olive oil and mix everything well with your hands until fully combined.
- Cover and let the mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Shape the Kafta
- Divide the meat mixture into 6-8 portions.
- Shape each portion into a long sausage shape around a skewer, pressing firmly so it holds.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
3. Cook the Kafta
Grill Method (Best for Smoky Flavor)
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating until fully cooked and charred.
Stovetop Method
- Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the kafta skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place kafta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway, until fully cooked.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve with pita, rice, fresh vegetables, and your favorite Middle Eastern dips.
Notes
How to Serve Lebanese Kafta Kebabs
- In a Wrap: Stuff warm pita bread with kafta, fresh veggies, and tahini or tzatziki sauce.
- With Rice: Serve over a bed of fragrant basmati rice with grilled tomatoes and onions.
- As a Platter: Pair with hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh for a complete Middle Eastern feast.