Delicious Lebanese Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Get ready to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Lebanon with these Tasty Lebanese Kafta Kebabs! Bursting with aromatic herbs and warm spices, these hand-formed kebabs are a must-try for any food enthusiast. The blend of lean ground beef, fresh parsley, and a medley of seasonings creates a flavor-packed experience that will have you coming back for seconds.

As you shape your kafta mix into savory skewers, you’ll be reminded of the vibrant sights and sounds of Mediterranean markets, where the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats. Whether you’re hosting a family cookout or simply craving a taste of something exotic, these Lebanese Kafta Kebabs are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with the flexibility to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients, the possibilities for culinary creativity are endless.

Pair your Tasty Lebanese Kafta Kebabs with traditional sides like fluffy pita bread, creamy hummus, and zesty tzatziki sauce for a complete Middle Eastern feast. And don’t forget to savor any leftovers by incorporating them into delicious grain bowls or wraps for a quick and flavorful meal. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and indulge in the irresistible flavors of these homemade kafta kebabs – a culinary journey that’s as satisfying as it is unforgettable.

Quick Benefits

Bursting with Mediterranean flair from fresh herbs and toasty spices
Versatile leftovers can be repurposed into various dishes like grain bowls, flatbreads, or pizzas
Can be enjoyed hot off the grill or at room temperature, making them ideal for parties and picnics
Freezes well for convenient meal prep and can be made ahead up to 24 hours for easy cooking

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Lebanese Kafta Kebabs Recipe Recipe

Exotic Flavors: Bursting with Mediterranean flair, the blend of fresh herbs and toasty spices in these kebabs creates a fragrant and succulent experience that will transport your taste buds to crowded street markets by the Mediterranean.
Family Favorite: Loved by picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike, these kebabs are sure to impress everyone at your family cookouts or gatherings, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
Perfect Pairings: Enjoy these kafta kebabs with warm pita bread, smooth hummus, cool tzatziki sauce, and a fresh tabbouleh salad for a complete Middle Eastern feast that balances rich flavors with a crisp bite.
Versatile Leftovers: Transform leftover kebabs into hot grain bowls, flatbread sandwiches, or pizza toppings – the well-seasoned meat adds a burst of flavor to various dishes, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Ideal for Gatherings: Whether served hot off the grill or at room temperature, these kebabs are a great addition to backyard parties, picnic spreads, or any occasion where easy-to-serve and delicious food is a must.
Make-ahead Tips: Prep in advance by mixing the ingredients up to 24 hours early and refrigerating the mix until you’re ready to cook. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to shape and cook the kebabs just before serving for the best results.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze raw kafta mix for up to 3 months for a quick and convenient meal option. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking to enjoy these delicious kebabs whenever you want.
Endless Variations: Experiment with different meats, spices, and additions like pine nuts to customize the flavor profile of your kebabs. The recipe serves as a base for creating your own unique and delicious Middle Eastern grilling experience.

Ingredients for Delicious Lebanese Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Main Ingredients

600 grams lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion cut into quarters
1 cup fresh parsley rinsed and dried
⅛ teaspoon cayenne add more if you like it spicy
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon seven spice blend
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Pro Tips for Delicious Lebanese Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For extra flavorful kafta kebabs, let the mixed ingredients sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before shaping and grilling. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, giving you a more aromatic and succulent final result.

Pro Tip 2: Don’t limit yourself to just serving these kafta kebabs on skewers. Get creative with leftovers by incorporating them into grain bowls, sandwiches, or flatbreads. The well-balanced seasoning of the meat makes it a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of dishes for a quick and delicious meal.

Pro Tip 3: Experiment with different meat combinations, spices, and add-ins to customize your kafta kebabs to suit your taste preferences. Whether using ground lamb, mixing meats, adding pine nuts, or trying unique spice blends, embrace the flexibility of this recipe to create a version that truly reflects your personal flavor profile and culinary style.

How to Make Delicious Lebanese Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Step 1: Process Aromatics

Place quartered onion and parsley in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

Step 2: Mix Meat

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion-parsley mix, and spices. Mix thoroughly by hand.

Step 3: Form Kebabs

Take a portion of the meat mixture and form it around each skewer to create a uniform thickness of about 1 to 1.5 inches.

Step 4: Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill the kebabs for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Immediately transfer to plates and enjoy.

Storage Tips

Once you have cooked the Lebanese Kafta Kebabs, store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The cooked kebabs will stay good for about 3 days. To reheat, wrap the kebabs in foil and place them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through.

If you have any raw kafta mix left over, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Shape the mixture into logs, freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and then transfer them to freezer bags once they are solid. Thaw the frozen kafta in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

To prepare ahead of time, you can mix the kafta ingredients up to 24 hours early and store the mixture wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Wait until you are ready to cook before shaping the mixture onto skewers for the best results. Remember that the key to great kafta is using good ingredients and taking your time to prepare them properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to switch up the protein in this recipe, you can try using ground lamb instead of ground beef for a more traditional Lebanese flavor. The lamb will bring a slightly gamier and richer taste to the kebabs. You could also experiment by combining ground beef and ground lamb to add complexity to the dish.

If you don’t have seven spice blend on hand, you can create your own blend by mixing equal parts of ground cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and ground cloves. This homemade blend will still give your kebabs that warm and aromatic Middle Eastern flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference, adding more or less depending on how spicy you like your kebabs.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving these Lebanese Kafta Kebabs as a build-your-own kebab bar at your next gathering. Set out a spread of warm pita bread, hummus, tzatziki sauce, tabbouleh salad, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled vegetables. Let your guests assemble their own kebabs with their favorite toppings for a fun and interactive dining experience that’s sure to impress.

Another idea is to transform leftover cooked kebabs into a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired grain bowl. Simply chop up the kebabs and mix them with cooked quinoa or rice, roasted vegetables, a dollop of hummus, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. Top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

FAQs for Delicious Lebanese Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef for these kebabs?

Absolutely! Ground lamb can be used to make the kafta kebabs for a more authentic flavor. You can also mix beef and lamb together for a unique taste profile.

Can I prepare the kafta mixture in advance?

Yes, you can mix all the ingredients up to 24 hours early and keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge. Shape the kebabs and put them on skewers when you are ready to cook for the best results.

How long can I store cooked kafta kebabs in the fridge?

Cooked kafta kebabs can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Can I freeze the raw kafta mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the raw kafta mix for up to 3 months. Shape it into logs, freeze on a baking sheet lined with parchment, then transfer to freezer bags once solid. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Tasty Lebanese Kafta Kebabs brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your table and transports you to vibrant street markets with every bite. The combination of fresh parsley, warm spices, and juicy ground beef creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Remember, good food is all about savoring each moment, so take your time to enjoy the process of creating these flavorful kebabs.

Whether you’re grilling these kebabs for a family gathering or meal-prepping for the week ahead, the versatility of Tasty Lebanese Kafta Kebabs means you can enjoy them in various ways. Embrace the opportunity to get creative with your dishes and explore different flavor combinations to make each meal unique and delightful. So, fire up the grill, invite some loved ones over, and delve into the wonderful world of Middle Eastern cuisine with these delicious kebabs as your guide.

Delicious Lebanese Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Succulent Lebanese Kafta Kebabs bursting with aromatic herbs and spices, perfect for grilling and serving with pita, hummus, and tzatziki.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time8 Minutes

Total Time28 Minutes

CuisineLebanese

Skill LevelEasy

Servings5 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

600 grams lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion cut into quarters
1 cup fresh parsley rinsed and dried
⅛ teaspoon cayenne add more if you like it spicy
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon seven spice blend
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Process Aromatics: Place quartered onion and parsley in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
Mix Meat: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion-parsley mix, and spices. Mix thoroughly by hand.
Form Kebabs: Take a portion of the meat mixture and form it around each skewer to create a uniform thickness of about 1 to 1.5 inches.
Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill the kebabs for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Serve: Immediately transfer to plates and enjoy.