Spiced ground lamb skewers with Middle Eastern flavors
Lamb Kofta Kabobs
Lamb Kofta Kabobs
30 minEasy
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4
8 skewers
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Lamb Kofta Kabobs
Spiced ground lamb skewers with Middle Eastern flavors
Seasoned ground lamb shaped around skewers and grilled until charred outside and juicy inside. Served with flatbread and yogurt for a complete Middle Eastern feast.
20m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Kofta are ground meat skewers popular across the Middle East and Mediterranean. The blend of warm spices, onion, and fresh herbs mixed into the lamb creates incredibly flavorful results.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground lamb
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
- Flatbread and yogurt for serving
PrecisionUtility
Test Kitchen Pick
Thermometer
Helpful Tool
Why a thermometer helps here
This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.
The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.
- Makes doneness more repeatable
- Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein
If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.
Shop thermometer options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Mix ground lamb with grated onion (squeeze out excess liquid), cumin, coriander, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Divide into 8 portions. Shape each around a flat metal skewer in an elongated oval.
- 3
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up—this helps them stay on the skewers.
- 4
Grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (160°F).
- 5
Serve on warm flatbread with yogurt sauce, sliced tomatoes, and pickled onions.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Substitutions
Ground lambGround beef or a lamb-beef mix
Beef is milder; the mix gives the best of both
CuminBaharat spice blend
A warm Middle Eastern spice mix with more complexity
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Olive Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the olive oil matters
On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.
This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.
- Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
- Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure
A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Shop olive oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use flat metal skewers—round ones cause the meat to spin when you flip.
Wet your hands when shaping to prevent the meat from sticking.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freeze uncooked kofta for 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat on the grill or in a skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (95mg) · 4 servings
Calories360
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates26g
Fat4g
Fiber420mg
Sugar1g
Sodium1g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use beef instead of lamb?
- Yes, or a mix of beef and lamb. The key is using meat with at least 20% fat.
- Why do my kofta fall off the skewers?
- Chill them before grilling, use flat skewers, and don't make them too thick.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.
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