Lebanese Kafta is a yummy dish made with ground beef or lamb mixed with fragrant spices and herbs. It’s often shaped into juicy skewers and grilled to perfection!
Cooking these delightful skewers brings the aroma of home. I love serving them with warm pita and a fresh salad—it’s a perfect family meal that everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: You can use either ground beef or lamb, depending on your preference. Lamb gives it a more authentic flavor, but beef is often more affordable. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey; just be aware it may need more seasoning.
Onion: A small onion is perfect for this recipe. You could also use green onions for a milder taste. For a sweeter flavor, consider shallots. If you need a non-onion option, try grated zucchini for moisture.
Garlic: Garlic adds a punch of flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder works too—about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. Keep it light to avoid overpowering the dish.
Ground Spices: Cumin, coriander, and cinnamon give kafta its unique flavor. If you lack one of these, add more of the others to balance it, or try a pinch of allspice for a different twist.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley adds freshness and color. You can substitute with fresh mint for a different taste. Dried herbs can also work, but use them sparingly (1 teaspoon should suffice).
How Do I Get the Perfect Shape for Kafta Kebabs?
Shaping kafta into perfect kebabs might seem tricky, but with the right method, it’s easy! Make sure the meat mixture is sticky enough to hold together. You want to pack it firmly around the skewers, but not too tight, allowing them to cook evenly.
- Moisten your hands to prevent sticking while forming kebabs.
- Shape the mixture into an elongated form, about 4-5 inches long. Ensure it adheres well to the skewer.
- Leave a bit of space at both the ends of the skewer for easy handling during grilling.
Practice makes perfect! The more you do it, the better you’ll get at shaping and grilling these delicious kebabs.
Delicious Lebanese Kafta (Beef or Lamb)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Kafta:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
For The Vegetable Salad:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
- 1 cucumber, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for garnish)
- Hummus for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Lebanese Kafta recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and an additional 30 minutes for marinating. You’ll need another 10-15 minutes for grilling. In total, set aside about 50 minutes from start to finish, including making your delicious salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kafta Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure all the yummy flavors are mixed in!
2. Marinate for Flavor:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will help all the delicious flavors meld together and make the kafta even tastier!
3. Get Your Grill Ready:
While the kafta is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling.
4. Shape the Kafta:
After marinating, take the meat mixture out of the fridge. Shape the mixture into elongated kebabs around the soaked skewers. Make sure they’re tightly packed but not too squished—this will help them cook evenly.
5. Grill the Kafta:
Before grilling, brush the kafta skewers with olive oil. Place them on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Turn them occasionally for even cooking and to get that lovely char on the outside.
6. Make the Vegetable Salad:
While the kaftas are grilling, prepare a refreshing salad! In a bowl, combine sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When the kaftas are cooked to perfection, place them over a bed of hummus on a serving plate if you’re using it. Arrange the colorful salad around the kafta skewers for a beautiful presentation.
8. Garnish and Dig In!
For a final touch, garnish with some extra chopped parsley if you like. Now, enjoy your delicious Lebanese Kafta with family and friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Absolutely! You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that these meats have a different fat content and flavor profile. To keep your kafta moist, consider adding a bit of olive oil or breadcrumbs to the mixture.
How Long Can I Marinate the Kafta Mixture?
You can marinate the kafta for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for even more flavor. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid cross-contamination with other foods. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes will still do the trick!
What Are Some Good Sides to Serve with Lebanese Kafta?
Besides the vegetable salad, consider serving your kafta with tabbouleh, pita bread, or a side of rice or couscous. These options complement the flavors and make for a hearty meal!
How Do I Store Leftover Kafta?
Store any leftover kafta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out, or warm them in the oven covered with foil. They can also be frozen for future meals!
