Juicy classic beef kafta kabob skewers
Looking for a mouthwatering grilled recipe that’s packed with flavor and easy to make?
These classic beef kafta kabob skewers are the perfect choice.
Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh herbs, and warm spices, they’re a staple of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Irresistibly Juicy Kefta Skewers with Spiced Ground beef Meat
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and tender grilled meat, you’re going to fall in love with these juicy kofta skewers made with ground lamb or beef.
These spiced meat skewers are incredibly flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and bursting with the rich aromas of Mediterranean spices.
These beef kefta skewers are especially delicious when grilled, whether you’re using a classic outdoor barbecue or a plancha-style grill.
The spices give the meat a deep, savory taste that pairs perfectly with the smoky char from the grill.
Serve them as a mouth-watering appetizer with a refreshing white sauce, creamy tzatziki, or punchy aioli.
Or turn them into a complete meal by pairing them with fluffy bulgur pilaf or buttery parsley potatoes.
Trust me, once you’ve tried these, you’ll be looking for any excuse to make them again.
I personally love cooking them on my panini press when I can’t grill outdoors. It gives a perfectly even cook, and the best part is, I can enjoy these flavorful skewers all year long, not just in summer!
This recipe is super easy to prepare, and you can even marinate the ground meat the night before for maximum flavor.
But even if you’re short on time, you can whip these up last-minute, just shape the meat onto skewers or form them into patties. Either way, the result is always delicious.
Choosing the Best Meat and Spices for Flavor-Packed Kefta Skewers
When it comes to making irresistible kefta skewers, the type of meat you choose can make all the difference. While ground beef is absolutely delicious, the secret to ultra-tender, juicy skewers lies in the fat content.
For that melt-in-your-mouth texture, I highly recommend using a mix of meats, combine fatty lamb with leaner ground beef.
The lamb brings that rich, succulent flavor, while the beef keeps things balanced.
If you use only lean meat, it tends to dry out during cooking, which can lead to tougher skewers. And we definitely want them soft, juicy, and bursting with flavor!
So, go ahead and mix lamb and beef in equal parts for the best results. Or, if you prefer, just use ground lamb—you’ll still end up with mouth-watering kafta that’s full of flavor.
What Spices Make Kefta So Tasty?
This time, I went with a quick and simple spice blend: ground cumin, black pepper, and paprika.
These are pantry staples you probably already have on hand, and they work beautifully to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
But don’t be afraid to get creative! Your spice drawer is your playground. Add your favorite herbs and spices to build layers of aroma and warmth that suit your taste.
And for me, there’s one ingredient I never skip: garlic. Even before I start thinking about spices, I reach for garlic.
It brings a depth of flavor and an irresistible fragrance that makes these kefta skewers absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients for Flavorful Kefta Skewers
- 450g ground meat (a mix of lamb and beef) : This blend offers the best of both worlds—lamb adds rich flavor and fat for tenderness, while beef provides a leaner texture for balance. You can use equal parts or adjust based on your preference.
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped : Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the meat mixture. Make sure it’s finely chopped so it blends in smoothly.
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced : Garlic is key for depth of flavor and aroma. Adjust the amount to your taste—more for a bolder punch, less for a milder touch.
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley, finely chopped : Fresh parsley adds color, freshness, and a herby brightness that lifts the meat’s flavor.
- Salt, to taste : Essential for seasoning—start with about ½ to 1 teaspoon and adjust as needed.
- Black pepper, to taste : Adds a mild heat and enhances all the other spices.
- Ground cumin : A warm, earthy spice that gives kefta its signature Mediterranean flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon or adjust to your liking.
- Paprika : Adds color and a subtle smokiness. You can use sweet or smoked paprika depending on your flavor preference.
How to Prepare and Cook Juicy Kefta Skewers Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to create flavorful, tender kefta skewers right at home:
- Place the ground meat in a large mixing bowl
Start with your meat base—ideally a mix of lamb and beef for the juiciest result. Use a spacious bowl so you can easily combine all the ingredients evenly. - Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and finely chopped parsley
These aromatics will infuse the meat with moisture and deep flavor. Make sure everything is finely chopped so it blends well into the mixture. - Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika
Add your spices to the bowl. The cumin brings a warm, earthy depth; paprika adds color and subtle smokiness; black pepper gives gentle heat; and salt ties all the flavors together. - Mix everything thoroughly
Use your hands to knead the mixture until it becomes fully uniform. This helps the spices and herbs distribute evenly and the texture firm up enough to hold on the skewer. - Shape the meat onto skewers
Grab a generous handful of the seasoned meat and mold it around a skewer. Press it firmly to ensure it sticks and forms an even, elongated shape. You can make small skewers for appetizers or longer ones for a hearty meal—totally up to your preference. - Repeat until all the meat is used
Continue shaping skewers until you’ve used up the entire mixture. Lay them aside on a tray, ready for grilling. - Grill the skewers
Just before serving, heat up a panini press, grill pan, or plancha. Grill the skewers until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside. Turn them occasionally to cook evenly on all sides.
Serving Suggestions
These kefta skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Potato fries
- Bulgur pilavi
- Tuna and potatoes salad
- Chickpea salad
- Lentil salad
- Caesar salad
- Lebanese tabbouleh
Homemade Grilled Kefta Skewers with Spiced Ground beef Meat
Ingredients
- 450 g ground meat a mix of lamb and beef
- ½ medium onion finely chopped
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves minced
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
Instructions
- Place the ground meat in a large mixing bowl. Start with your meat base—ideally a mix of lamb and beef for the juiciest result.
- Use a spacious bowl so you can easily combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and finely chopped parsley. Make sure everything is finely chopped so it blends well into the mixture.
- Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika
- Mix everything thoroughly : Use your hands to knead the mixture until it becomes fully uniform. This helps the spices and herbs distribute evenly and the texture firm up enough to hold on the skewer.
- Shape the meat onto skewers : Grab a generous handful of the seasoned meat and mold it around a skewer. Press it firmly to ensure it sticks and forms an even, elongated shape.
- You can make small skewers for appetizers or longer ones for a hearty meal—totally up to your preference.
- Repeat until all the meat is used
- Lay the skewers aside on a tray, ready for grilling.
- Just before serving, heat up a panini press, grill pan, or plancha. Grill the skewers until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside. Turn them occasionally to cook evenly on all sides.
