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Juicy Beef Kafta Kabobs (Skewers or Patties) Recipe

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These Juicy Beef Kafta Kabobs are traditional Middle Eastern skewers made from extra lean ground beef mixed with fragrant herbs and spices. Perfectly seasoned with onion, garlic, parsley, and a blend of spices including seven spice, cumin, and paprika, these kabobs are grilled to juicy perfection. They can be served over rice, with salad, or wrapped in warm flatbreads for a delicious meal.

  • Total Time: 23 minutes (grilling) or 35 minutes (baking)
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

  • 1.5 lb extra lean ground beef
  • 1 onion
  • 1 bunch parsley, approximately 2 cups packed
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1.5 tsp seven spice (Middle Eastern spice mix)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 4 tbsp olive oil, plus more for grilling
  • 1 tbsp flour (optional, for binding)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Mixture: Using a food processor, finely chop the garlic, onions, and parsley by pulsing for a few seconds until well combined.
  2. Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the processed herb mixture. Add the seven spice, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix thoroughly using your hands.
  3. Add Flour for Binding: Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour to help bind the mixture. Continue mixing until the mixture forms a firm dough. Add slightly more flour if the mixture feels too loose, but use sparingly to avoid toughness.
  4. Shape the Kafta: Form the mixture into 3 to 4-inch long kabobs roughly 1 inch thick. You can shape them either as skewered kabobs or as patties.
  5. Preheat the Grill: Heat your BBQ grill or a cast iron grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill or pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill the Kabobs: Grill each kafta for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning carefully, until fully cooked and nicely charred. Total grilling time should be approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Test for doneness by cutting a piece to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
  7. Alternative Baking Method: If preferred, bake the kafta in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through. Note that grilling produces a juicier result.
  8. Serve: Serve the kabobs with a yogurt tahini sauce over rice, salad, or wrapped in flatbread for a classic meal.

Notes

  • Flour is optional and mainly used to bind the kafta if the mixture is too moist, such as when using thawed meat. Use sparingly to avoid tough texture.
  • Grilling yields juicier kabobs than baking, but baking is a convenient alternative for faster cooking.
  • If using regular ground beef instead of extra lean, reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon as the meat releases more fat.
  • Yogurt tahini sauce complements the kafta well; consider trying an Eggplant Fatteh sauce for serving.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes (grilling) or 20 minutes (baking)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern