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Izgara Köfte (Grilled Meatballs)

These flavorful Turkish grilled meatballs are a staple, made with ground beef and lamb, seasoned with classic spices and fresh herbs. They are perfect for a main course, served alongside rice, salad, or flatbread. The simple preparation allows the rich meat flavors to shine.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
35 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
417 kcal
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Allergen information: may contain eggs and gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Izgara Köfte (Grilled Meatballs)

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 300 gground beef, lean
  • 200 gground lamb, lean
  • 1 pcsonion, grated
  • 2 clovegarlic, minced
  • 0.25 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cupbread crumb
  • 1 pcsegg, large
  • 1 tspcumin, ground
  • 1 tsppaprika, sweet
  • 0.5 tspred pepper flake
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 0.5 tspblack pepper, ground
  • 1 tbspolive oil

Equipment

grill brush · grill · spatula · large mixing bowl

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, bread crumbs, and egg.

    About 3 min

  2. 2

    Add the ground cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture.

    About 1 min

  3. 3

    Using your hands, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined and uniform. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Mixing by hand ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed.

  4. 4

    Divide the mixture into 16-20 equal portions and shape each into an oval or flattened patty, about 1 cm thick.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Moistening your hands with a little water can prevent the meat from sticking.

  5. 5

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the grill is hot enough to get a good sear.

  6. 6

    Place the shaped köfte on the hot grill.

    About 1 min

  7. 7

    Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned, with internal temperature reaching 71°C (160°F).

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Adjust grilling time based on the thickness of your köfte and desired doneness.

  8. 8

    Remove the grilled köfte from the grill and serve immediately.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
417.3kcal
Protein
24.8g
Carbs
11g
Fat
31g
Fibre
1.5g
Sugar
2.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover grilled köfte in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or pan until warmed through.

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