Description
These Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce combine flavorful spices and lean ground beef shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection. Served with a refreshing Greek yogurt-based tzatziki sauce and optional flatbread and vegetables, this recipe is a quick, healthy, and satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
For the Kofta Kebabs
- 1/2 small onion, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup parsley
- 1 1/2 pounds grass-fed lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 pinch allspice or cinnamon (optional)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Olive oil, for brushing the grill
- Flat bread, for serving (optional)
- Sliced vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and onion, for serving (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain reduced fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh mint or dill (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Add the onion, garlic, and parsley to a mini food processor and pulse until finely chopped. If you don't have a food processor, grate the onion and finely chop the garlic and parsley by hand.
- Mix the Meat: Transfer the chopped mixture to a large bowl. Add the ground beef, cumin, coriander, allspice (or cinnamon), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the Koftas: Divide the meat mixture into 8 roughly equal balls. Mold each ball around the pointed end of a skewer, shaping into an oval kebab that covers the skewer tip completely. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Grill the Kebabs: Heat a grill pan or preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush with olive oil. Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes total.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh mint or dill, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled kofta kebabs on a platter and serve with tzatziki sauce, and optionally with flat bread and sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes before grilling to avoid burning.
- To squeeze dry the grated cucumber, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture to keep tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
- You can prepare the tzatziki sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture.
- Ensure the grill pan or outdoor grill is adequately preheated for best searing results and to prevent sticking.
