Spiced ground lamb skewers grilled to perfection
Kofta Kebabs
Kofta Kebabs
30 minEasy
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4
8 skewers
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Kofta Kebabs
Spiced ground lamb skewers grilled to perfection
Juicy, well-spiced ground lamb kebabs threaded on skewers and grilled until charred outside and tender inside. A Middle Eastern classic perfect for summer cookouts.
20m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Kofta kebabs transform ground lamb into something extraordinary with warm spices, fresh herbs, and grated onion for moisture. The key is not overworking the meat so it stays juicy.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp each: cumin, coriander, paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
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
Combine lamb, grated onion, parsley, and all spices in a bowl. Mix gently—do not overwork.
- 2
Divide into 8 portions. Shape each around a flat metal skewer into a 6-inch oval, about 1 inch thick.
- 3
Refrigerate on a tray for 15 minutes to firm up.
- 4
Grill over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until charred outside and cooked through (160°F internal).
- 5
Serve with warm pita, tahini sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables.
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 50/50 mix
Beef is milder; the mix is a nice compromise
Fresh parsleyFresh cilantro
Different herb flavor that works equally well
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 so the kofta doesn't spin when turning.
Keep your hands wet when shaping to prevent sticking.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked kofta for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8 minutes or briefly on the grill.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (95mg) · 4 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates22g
Fat2g
Fiber380mg
Sugar0g
Sodium1g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use beef instead?
- Yes, use 80/20 ground beef for juicy results.
- Can I broil instead of grill?
- Absolutely—broil on high for 4-5 minutes per side on a wire rack.
Explore More
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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