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Juicy Lebanese Kafta Skewers

As seen in Master the Art of Grilling and Barbecue.

Transform ground beef into mouth-watering Lebanese kafta kebabs with this flavorful recipe. Fresh parsley, onions, and a mix of classic Middle Eastern spices are blended with lean beef and molded onto skewers. Grilled in just 8 minutes, they’re smoky, juicy, and slightly spicy from a pinch of cayenne. No skewers? Shape them like patties and bake instead. Great for quick dinners or laid-back gatherings, this recipe brings all the traditional flavors with minimal fuss.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Created by Sandra
Fresh as of Tue, 25 Feb 2025 01:42:16 GMT
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Grilled Kafta Skewers | quickierecipe.com

Kafta kebabs represent authentic Middle Eastern cuisine - succulent meat skewers blending ground beef with aromatic herbs and spices. This traditional recipe captures generations of culinary wisdom, creating the perfect balance between tender meat, fresh herbs, and warm seasonings that elevate simple ingredients into a memorable dish.

The key to exceptional kafta lies in the harmony between fresh ingredients - tender ground beef, aromatic parsley, and sweet onions coming together in perfect proportion.

Key Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Select 80/20 beef for optimal moisture and flavor
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings essential brightness and traditional color
  • Yellow Onion: Creates moisture and natural sweetness when finely processed
  • Baharat Spice Blend: Traditional Middle Eastern seasoning that provides authentic depth
Juicy kafta kebabs seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, perfect for grilling. Save Recipe
Juicy kafta kebabs seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, perfect for grilling. | quickierecipe.com

Step-by-Step Method

Initial Preparation:
Submerge wooden skewers in water. Process quartered onion and chopped parsley until finely minced to ensure proper meat binding.
Combining Ingredients:
Mix ground beef with processed vegetables, baharat spices, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated. Proper mixing creates ideal texture.
Forming Kebabs:
Shape meat mixture around skewers in uniform cylinders. Press firmly while maintaining light texture. Smooth surface using dampened hands.

Heat Management

Success depends on steady medium-high heat that seals moisture while ensuring thorough cooking. Monitor temperature carefully to prevent under or overcooking.

Traditional Service

Authentic presentation includes fresh mezze accompaniments - creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, bright tabbouleh, and warm flatbreads.

Preparation Tips

Prepare mixture ahead for enhanced flavor development. Store properly covered in refrigeration up to 24 hours before cooking.

Cooking Variations

Traditional grilling provides optimal results, but oven-baking and stovetop methods produce excellent alternatives.

Kafta kebabs embody Middle Eastern culinary heritage, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish. This recipe preserves authentic techniques while remaining accessible to home cooks, creating memorable meals that honor traditional flavors.

Flavorful kafta kebabs, a Middle Eastern classic packed with savory goodness. Save Recipe
Flavorful kafta kebabs, a Middle Eastern classic packed with savory goodness. | quickierecipe.com

Recipe Tips & Help

→ What’s a good alternative to the seven spice blend?
If you can’t grab the Middle Eastern seven spice blend, go with allspice as a substitute—it works well.
→ Can these be made without skewers?
Absolutely, shape them into small oval patties or burgers and cook them the same way.
→ Is it possible to bake this recipe?
Yes! Place them in an oven set to 375°F, and bake for about 15–20 minutes until done.
→ How long can leftovers last in the fridge?
Refrigerate cooked kebabs for 3–4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
→ Which kind of beef should I use for this?
Choose lean ground beef as it holds its shape well and doesn’t shrink too much while cooking.

Kafta Skewers

Savory ground beef skewers from Lebanon, blended with parsley, onion, and bold spices, grilled quickly for a deliciously easy dish in under half an hour.

Preparation Time
20 Mins
Cooking Time
8 Mins
Total Time
28 Mins
Created by: Sandra

Dish Type: Fire-Grilled Foods

Skill Level: Medium

Style: Lebanese

Makes: 5 Serves

Dietary Notes: Low in Carbs, No Gluten, No Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 medium-sized yellow onion, cut into quarters
02 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, cleaned and dried
03 600 grams of ground beef, lean

→ Seasonings

04 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, feel free to add more if you like it hotter
05 1/4 teaspoon of a seven spice mix
06 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
07 1 teaspoon of regular salt

Method

01

Chop the parsley and the quartered onion very finely by pulsing them together in a food processor.

02

Throw the ground beef, onion-parsley blend, and the seasonings into a big bowl. Use your hands to mix it all up evenly.

03

Take the mixture and mold it around skewers, making kebabs that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.

04

Turn your gas grill on medium-high heat and oil it lightly. Grill the kebabs for around 4 minutes per side, making sure they cook all the way through.

Cook's Tips

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for about half an hour before using.
  2. You can swap out the seven spice mix with allspice if you don’t have it.
  3. If you’d prefer, form the meat into patties instead and bake them at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Leftovers stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Kitchen Equipment

  • Grill or an oven
  • Food processor
  • A large mixing bowl
  • Skewers made from wood or metal

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are approximate and should be used as a general guide.
  • Calories: 178
  • Fat Content: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g