Grilled Spiced Beef Kebabs (Kofta)
These grilled spiced beef kebabs (kofta) are loaded with fresh herbs, warm spices, and that savory, smoky flavor you only get from the grill. Wrap them in pita with a dollop of tzatziki and you’ve got a meal that’s fast, filling, and straight-up fantastic.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
If you’ve never grilled up kofta before, prepare to wonder what you’ve been doing all this time. These beef kebabs are packed with spicy goodness, fresh herbs, and the tiniest (optional) amount of heat just to keep things interesting.
They’re juicy, with just the right bit of char, and made to be piled into a warm pita with a smear of tzatziki sauce, a bit of tomato cucumber salad, and red onion.
It’s the kind of meal that seems out there but is super simple to pull off and delivers every single time!
Ingredients Needed
This recipe keeps it simple but punches way above its weight. You’ve got ground beef as the base, fresh parsley and cilantro to brighten things up, and a grated onion for moisture and flavor.
The spice blend leans warm and earthy—think cumin, allspice, coriander—with a little kick from cayenne. Breadcrumbs help it all hold together on the grill, and when you wrap it in warm pita with tzatziki? Game over.
How To Make Grilled Spiced Beef Kebabs (Kofta)
This recipe comes together so easily, you’re probably going to be a bit angry you haven’t done this before … like me.
Don’t Sweat The Recipe is supported by its readers. We may earn a commission if you purchase through a link on our site. Learn more.
Kofta is one of those meals that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and is way easier to make than you’d think. Whether you’re throwing together a quick weeknight grill session or feeding a crowd, these spiced beef kebabs bring serious flavor with minimal effort.
Tips
- When the beef is done, toast your pitas on the grill. Makes for a nice presentation and adds additional flavor to the overall meal.
- Soak your skewers as long as you can. If you’re using wooden ones and your heat is up too high, they will catch fire.
- When grilling, create a direct AND indirect zone. That way, if you have the char but need to continue to cook, you can move the beef kebabs to indirect heat, cover, and finish.
- For our cook, I used one level of charcoal briquettes. It seemed to be the perfect level. I was able to leave the kebabs alone, only turning once. Got the ideal sear without having to move them to indirect heat.
- Our dish was terrific, with a simple tomato and cucumber salad with some red onion. By all means, use what you like.
- Use our naan to make this meal all homemade. It’s delish!
Variations
- Swap the protein. Ground lamb or a lamb-beef mix brings a deeper, more traditional flavor. Chicken works too – just don’t overcook it.
- Amp the heat. Add additional cayenne or some chili powder for a spicier hit.
- Mix up the herbs. No cilantro? Go all parsley or add some dill. It all makes it super fresh tasting.
- Different sauces. Try garlic sauce, hummus, or even a quick yogurt-lemon sauce. Our tzatziki sauce is the bomb, though!
FAQs
Sure can. Mix, shape, and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill.
Nope. Shape them as-is and go with it. The skewers are primarily for presentation.
Yes, you can. Cast iron would work best. The most important thing is to get that good sear!
Other Fabulous Kebab Recipes
Grilled Spiced Beef Kebabs (Kofta) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb Ground beef
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1/3 cup Fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup Fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup Onion grated
Spices
- 1 1/2 Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 Allspice
- 1/2 Coriander
- 1/2 Black pepper
- 1/2 Garlic powder
- 1/8 Cayenne pepper a dash
Other
- 6 Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least one hour. Prep herbs and grate the onion.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, herbs, grated onion, and all spices. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into six oval-shaped logs and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up. Insert skewers through the center of each log.
- Grill over direct low heat for about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Serve in pita with tzatziki sauce and your favorite toppings or salad.