Lebanese Kafta is a tasty dish made from ground beef or lamb mixed with parsley, onions, and spices. It’s usually shaped into long kebabs and grilled to perfection!
These kebabs are so flavorful they might just steal the spotlight at your next BBQ! I love serving them with warm pita and a side of fresh salad—it’s a perfect summer meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: You can use either ground beef or lamb in this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can work as well. Just remember that they might be a bit drier, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.
Onion: Grated onion adds moisture and flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, you could skip it or use onion powder instead, but fresh is best for taste.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is preferred for its strong flavor. In a pinch, garlic powder can be a substitute, though fresh is always more aromatic.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and mint are key for that refreshing taste. If you can’t find fresh mint, you might use a smaller amount of dried mint or just skip it. Adjusting the parsley works too.
Spices: Cumin and allspice add warmth and depth. If you don’t have allspice, you can mix a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg as an alternative, but cumin is a must for authenticity.
How Do I Form Perfect Kebabs for Grilling?
Getting well-formed kebabs is crucial for even cooking. Here’s how to shape them right:
- Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. This makes it easier to work with the meat.
- Take a portion of the meat mixture and shape it around your skewer, pressing it firmly so it holds together while cooking.
- Aim for a long, oval shape, about 1-2 inches thick, and ensure the meat is evenly distributed on the skewer.
- Don’t overpack—make sure there’s enough space between each kebab for even cooking.
Allowing the formed kebabs to rest in the fridge before grilling helps them firm up, making them less likely to fall off the skewer.
How to Make Lebanese Kafta (Beef or Lamb)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 small onion, grated or finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Ingredients for Serving:
- Hummus
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Pita bread or flatbread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to let the flavors meld in the fridge, and another 10-15 minutes to cook on the grill. In total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes to enjoy a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kafta Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and mint if you’re using it. Add the cumin, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is where all your flavors come together!
2. Resting Time:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your kafta even more delicious.
3. Preheat Your Grill:
While the kafta mixture is chilling, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures a nice, hot surface for cooking your kafta, which will help create a lovely crust.
4. Form the Kafta Kebabs:
Take the chilled meat mixture out of the fridge. Divide it into equal portions and shape each portion into long kebabs around skewers. Each skewer should hold about 2-3 ounces of the mixture. This can be a fun activity!
5. Grill the Kafta:
Brush the kebabs with olive oil to help them brown nicely. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be nicely browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes total.
6. Prepare the Salad:
While the kafta is grilling, chop up the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for your salad. Toss them together in a bowl and sprinkle with some salt and a drizzle of olive oil to spice it up a bit!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once the kafta is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Serve the kafta hot, topped with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Pair it with your prepared salad and some hummus, and if you like, have pita or flatbread on the side. Enjoy your delicious Lebanese kafta!
Can I Use Ground Chicken or Turkey Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Yes, you can definitely use ground chicken or turkey! Just keep in mind that these meats are leaner, so adjust your cooking time slightly to avoid drying them out. You may also want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to keep them moist during cooking.
How Do I Make Kafta Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the kafta mixture in advance. Mix everything together, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors. When ready to cook, form them into kebabs and grill as instructed!
What are the Best Ways to Store Leftover Kafta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or place them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You can also freeze cooked kafta for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make Kafta Without Skewers?
Absolutely! If you don’t have skewers, simply shape the meat mixture into patties or burgers, and grill them or cook them in a skillet. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as patties may take a bit longer to cook through.
