Lebanese Kafta is a tasty dish made with ground beef or lamb, mixed with herbs and spices. It’s shaped into juicy skewers and grilled to perfection!
I love serving Kafta with fresh veggies or some warm pita bread. It’s like a mini barbecue party on a plate! Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll impress your friends in no time! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: You can use either beef or lamb for kafta. I personally lean towards lamb for its rich flavor. If you’re looking to go lighter, ground turkey can be a good alternative, though the taste will change a bit.
Onion: Finely grated onion adds moisture and flavor. If you’re short on time, onion powder can work in a pinch, but fresh onion gives the best results.
Parsley: Fresh parsley is key for that burst of freshness. In case you don’t have parsley, try mint for a different yet delicious twist.
Spices: Cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon come together beautifully here. If you don’t have one, feel free to experiment with allspice or even a little chili powder for heat.
How Do I Grill Kafta Without it Falling Apart?
Shaping kafta around skewers can be tricky! Here are a few tips to keep your meat intact during grilling:
- Make sure to combine the mixture very well—it helps bind the ingredients together.
- Wet your hands before shaping to prevent sticking.
- Once skewered, press the mixture firmly to hold its shape.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before grilling. It allows them to firm up a bit.
- Grill over medium-high heat for even cooking. Turn them gently to avoid breakage.
How to Make Lebanese Kafta (Beef or Lamb)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kafta:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)
For Serving:
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Hummus (for serving)
- Crumbled feta cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lebanese Kafta will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. Total time is around 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick but satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ground beef or lamb and add the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything well until fully combined. You want all those flavors to mingle together!
2. Shape the Kafta:
Now, divide the mixture into equal portions, about 4-6 pieces. Take each portion and mold it around a wooden skewer, forming a long sausage shape. Make sure it’s compact so it stays on the skewer when cooking.
3. Preheat and Oil the Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While that’s heating up, brush the kafta skewers lightly with olive oil to help them cook evenly and to get those nice grill marks.
4. Grill the Kafta:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally to ensure they’re cooked through and have a lovely char on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they’re no longer pink inside.
5. Prepare the Side Salad:
While the kafta is grilling, take a bowl and mix together the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. This fresh salad will be a great complement to your kafta.
6. Serve It Up:
Once the kafta skewers are ready, serve them over a generous scoop of hummus for added creaminess and flavor. Don’t forget to garnish with crumbled feta cheese and some fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color!
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Lastly, add the refreshing salad on the side. You can also serve it all with warm pita bread if you like! Enjoy your homemade Lebanese Kafta—it’s a delicious treat!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef or lamb. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be leaner, so you may need to add a teaspoon of olive oil to the mix to keep the kafta moist during grilling.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you like your kafta with a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. Alternatively, you can serve it with a spicy sauce for dipping!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kafta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the kafta in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help maintain the texture.
Can I Make Kafta in the Oven Instead of Grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are cooked through and slightly browned.
