Grilled Kafta
These flavorful Lebanese kafta skewers are made from a simple mixture of ground beef, onion, parsley, and spices. They are perfect for grilling and can be served as a main course with rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 35 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 364 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 500 gground beef, lean
- 1 pcsyellow onion, finely grated or very finely chopped
- 0.5 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 clovegarlic, minced
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper
- 1 tspseven spice blend
for grilling
- 1 tbspolive oil
Equipment
metal skewers or wooden skewers · grill · large mixing bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and seven spice blend.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the onion is very finely grated or chopped to prevent a crunchy texture in the cooked kafta.
- 2
Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined and the mixture becomes slightly pasty.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Over-mixing can make the meat tough, but you want it just combined enough to hold its shape.
- 3
Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions.
About 2 min
- 4
Shape each portion around a metal skewer, forming an oblong, flattened cylinder about 1 inch thick and 4-5 inches long.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
- 5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: A well-heated grill prevents sticking and helps achieve good grill marks.
- 6
Lightly brush the kafta skewers with olive oil.
About 1 min
- 7
Place the skewers on the preheated grill.
- 8
Grill for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely browned on all sides and cooked through.
About 8 min
Cook’s note: The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
- 9
Remove the kafta from the grill and serve immediately.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 363.7kcal
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbs
- 4.8g
- Fat
- 28.5g
- Fibre
- 1g
- Sugar
- 1.6g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover grilled kafta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
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