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!