If you’re craving Middle Eastern food, this Lebanese Kofta Recipe is one of the signature foods you’ll love that is popular in middle eastern countries! These Middle Eastern meatballs, also known as kafta kabobs, are a delicious mixture of ground meat, fresh herbs, and Middle Eastern spices, shaped onto metal skewers or wooden skewers, then grilled to juicy perfection.
Whether you use lean ground beef, ground lamb, or even ground turkey, this great recipe is packed with enough flavor to transport you straight to a Lebanese restaurant.
Traditionally, Lebanese kofta recipe is cooked on a hot grill or outdoor grill, giving it that smoky, charred aroma that pairs beautifully with a side of Lebanese vermicelli rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad.
You can also make kafta kabobs in an air fryer, on a grill pan, or baked on a baking sheet in the oven. The best way to enjoy these juicy Lebanese kebabs is with a drizzle of tahini sauce, a dollop of hummus, or classic toum garlic sauce—Middle Eastern flavors at their finest!
This beef kafta recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply toss yellow onion, fresh parsley, and a mixture of ground beef or lamb mince into a food processor, blend until smooth, and mix with warm spices like cinnamon, sumac, and black pepper.
The meat mixture is then shaped into an oblong shape or log shape, threaded onto flat skewers, and cooked over medium-high heat. In just 3-4 minutes per side, you’ll have irresistibly juicy kafta kebabs with a beautifully charred crust.
Whether you’re making kafta bil sanieh (baked Lebanese kofta with potatoes), lamb kafta for a summer barbecue, or beef kofta for a quick weeknight meal, this Middle Eastern recipe is incredibly versatile.
Serve it with white rice, cauliflower rice, or wrapped in pita bread with red onion, fresh mint, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Don’t forget to store leftovers in an airtight container for easy meals the next time you’re craving Lebanese flavors!
Ready to fire up the gas grill? Scroll down to the recipe card for step-by-step instructions!
What is Lebanese Kafta?
Lebanese kafta (also called beef kofta or kafta kabobs) is a staple in Lebanese cuisine. It’s a type of Middle Eastern meatball made from a mixture of ground beef, ground lamb, or ground chicken, combined with grated onion, fresh parsley, and a spice blend of Middle Eastern spices. Traditionally, it’s shaped into an oblong shape or log shape, threaded onto metal skewers or wooden bamboo skewer, and cooked on a hot grill or open flame. Some variations, like kafta bil sanieh, involve baking the meat patties with potatoes and tomatoes in the oven.
Kafta is one of the signature foods served in Lebanese restaurants and is often paired with Lebanese vermicelli rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad. The best way to enjoy it? With a drizzle of tahini sauce, baba ganoush, or toum garlic sauce for that authentic Middle Eastern food experience!
Best Spices for Authentic Lebanese Kafta
To achieve the rich, Middle Eastern flavors, use these key Middle Eastern spices:
- Black pepper – Adds mild heat.
- Cumin & coriander – Essential for warmth.
- Allspice & cinnamon – Gives kafta its signature aroma.
- Sumac or pomegranate molasses – For a touch of tang.
Pro Tip: Pre-mix your spice blend in bulk for quick meal prep!
Lebanese Kafta vs. Shish Tawook vs. Kebab: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse these Middle Eastern dishes, so here’s a breakdown:
- Lebanese Kafta – Made with ground meat, grated onion, fresh parsley, and Middle Eastern spices, shaped into log shape and grilled.
- Shish Tawook – Skewered chicken breast marinated in yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Lebanese Kebabs – Similar to kafta but often made with big chunks of onion, beef, or lamb cubes.
**All three pair perfectly with pita bread, Lebanese vermicelli rice, and a dollop of hummus!
Ingredients for Lebanese Kofta Recipe
Making Lebanese kofta skewers only requires a few basic ingredients, but the secret lies in the spice blend and fat ratio for that juicy, flavorful bite.
Main Ingredients:
- Ground meat – Use lean ground beef, ground lamb, or a mixture of ground beef and lamb for the best flavor. You can also try ground chicken or ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Yellow onion – Finely grated onion keeps the meat mixture moist. Red onion can also be used for a milder flavor.
- Fresh parsley – A must-have for freshness and aroma. You can also add fresh mint for extra depth.
- Middle Eastern spices – A spice blend of black pepper, cinnamon, sumac, and allspice gives kafta its next-level flavor.
- Olive oil – Adds moisture and prevents the mixture from drying out.
Optional Add-ins:
- Pomegranate molasses – For a hint of tangy sweetness.
- Plain yogurt – Helps tenderize the meat for ultra-juicy results.
How Do You Make Lebanese Beef Kafta?
Making kafta kabobs at home is simple! Just follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a food processor, blend yellow onion, fresh parsley, and fresh mint (optional) until finely chopped.
- Transfer to a large bowl and add the mixture of ground beef (or ground lamb) along with the spice blend. Mix well.
2. Shape the Kafta
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and form them into an oblong shape or log shape.
- Thread onto metal skewers, flat skewers, or wooden skewers.
3. Cook the Lebanese Kofta Recipe
- On the grill: Place on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- In the oven: Bake on a baking sheet at medium heat until cooked through.
- In a large skillet: Pan-fry over medium heat with a bit of oil.
How to Take Kafta to the Next Level
Want to make your beef kafta recipe even better? Try these next-level tips:
- Marinate: Let the meat mixture sit for a few hours to absorb the warm spices.
- Mix meats: A blend of ground lamb and lean ground beef gives the best flavor.
- Serve it up: Drizzle with tahini sauce or serve with pomegranate molasses for a unique twist.
How to Make Kafta on the Grill
- Preheat your gas grill or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
- Lightly brush the kafta kabobs with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully to get even charring. You can use wooden skewer to make kofta kebabs.
- Check for an internal temperature of 160°F for beef or 165°F for chicken.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving with pita bread and Lebanese vermicelli rice.
How to Make Kafta in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the meat skewers in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Broil for the last 2 minutes to get that next-level char.
- Serve hot with tahini sauce, white rice, fresh salad, or pita bread.
What Do You Eat with Beef Kafta?
Kafta is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of Middle Eastern recipes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Grains: Serve over white rice, Lebanese vermicelli rice, or cauliflower rice for a low carb option.
- Breads: Wrap in pita bread with red onion, tahini sauce, and a dollop of hummus.
- Dips: Enjoy with baba ganoush, yogurt sauce, or toum garlic sauce.
- Salads: Pair with a fresh salad like fattoush or tabbouleh.
Tips for Making Juicy Beef Kafta
- Use the right fat content – Lean ground beef works, but adding some ground lamb keeps it extra juicy.
- Grate the onion – Instead of chopping, grate the onion to help retain moisture.
- Don’t overmix – Overworking the meat mixture can make the kafta dense.
- Use flat skewers – They hold the meat better than round ones, preventing it from slipping.
- Chill before grilling – Let the shaped meat skewers rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Check the internal temperature – Aim for 160°F for beef or 165°F for chicken.
Kafta Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Here are some easy substitutions:
- Meat Options: Swap ground beef for ground chicken, ground turkey, or a mixture of ground beef and lamb mince.
- Cooking Methods: Try making kafta kabobs in the air fryer for a quick, crispy version.
- Spices: If you don’t have sumac, use a splash of lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
How to Store & Reheat Kafta for Meal Prep
Kafta is a great meal-prep option! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerate: Store cooked kafta in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a large skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F, or in an air fryer for a crispier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want to freeze it, shape the kafta kebabs first, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Absolutely! Place the meat skewers in a preheated air fryer at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This is a great low-carb option and works well for those who don’t have a grill.
Use flat skewers instead of round ones for better grip. Chill the shaped meat mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Avoid flipping too soon; let it sear properly before turning.
Both terms refer to Middle Eastern meatball dishes, but Lebanese kafta tends to have a finer texture with grated onion and fresh herbs, while other Middle Eastern recipes might use a coarser mix with different spice variations.
Yes! Instead of meat skewers, shape the kafta into meat patties and cook them in a large skillet, grill pan, or bake them on a baking sheet.
More Lebanese Recipes
- Lebanese Lentil Soup recipe (Easy Shorbet Adas)
- One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes With Garlic
- Authentic Lebanese Shawarma Recipe With Tahini Sauce
- Easy High Protein Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
If you’ve tried this Lebanese Kofta Recipe or any other recipe on the Mom Nutritionist blog, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! And if you share it on social media, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!
Lebanese Kofta Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the parsley and quartered onion in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Remove and drain slightly to release excess moisture.
- Transfer to a large bowl and add ground beef along with the spices. Mix well.
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and form them into an oblong shape or log shape. Thread onto metal skewers, flat skewers, or wooden skewers.
- Cook the kafta. You can do this either on the grill, in the oven or in a large skillet. On the grill: Place on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.In the oven: Bake on a baking sheet at 400 F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. You can also stuff pita bread with the kafta mixture to make crispy delicious sandwiches. Bake in the oven until meat has browned and the pita bread is crispy. In a large skillet: Pan-fry over medium heat with a bit of olive oil.