Kofte Kebab

Name: Kofte Kebab
Prep time: 195 min
Cook time: 5 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Cuisine: Kebab & Grill Menu
Ingredients: Minced Beef — 1kg; Brown Onion — 1; Fresh Mint — 15g; Garlic — 3 cloves; Olive Oil — 1 tbsp; Red Sumac — 1 tbsp; Salt — ⅛ tsp; Black Pepper — ½ tsp; Ground Cumin — ½ tsp; Sweet Paprika — ½ tsp; Ground Cinnamon — ½ tsp; Ground Cardamom — ½ tsp

This beloved Turkish classic features finely minced lamb or beef blended with grated onion, garlic, and a vibrant mix of cumin, paprika, and sumac. Shaped into succulent patties and flame-grilled over hot coals to achieve a smoky, caramelized crust, each juicy bite yields a rich savoury depth that pairs perfectly with warm flatbread, garlic sauce, and a sprinkling of fresh coriander.

Cuisines

Cooking Instructions

Preparation: 3 hours 15 minutes
Cooking: 5 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6

Notes:

Refrigerating the seasoned minced beef for 3 to 4 hours or overnight allows the spices to penetrate deeply and helps the meat firm up for easy skewering.

Fresh parsley can be substituted for fresh mint if a milder herbal profile is preferred.

Dipping your hands in a bowl of cold water while moulding prevents the raw minced meat from sticking to your fingers.

Turning the skewers every 30 seconds on a hot grill seals the meat quickly, retaining juicy moisture and preventing it from slipping off.

Prepare Spice and Herb Mixture
Finely dice the brown onion and finely chop the fresh mint leaves. In a bowl, combine the onion, mint, salt, red sumac, black pepper, ground cumin, sweet paprika, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, crushed garlic, and olive oil. Stir thoroughly to form a fragrant spice and herb paste.

Knead Kebab Mixture
Place the minced beef in a large bowl and break it up with your hands. Add the spice paste and knead thoroughly for 3 to 4 minutes until fully combined and cohesive. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Shape and Skewer
Divide the chilled meat mixture into equal portions. With damp hands, shape each portion into a long cylinder, thread a metal skewer through the centre, and press evenly along the skewer using your palm.

Grill and Serve
Preheat an open grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 minutes, flipping every 30 seconds until evenly charred and cooked through. Slide the kebabs off the skewers, dust with extra sumac, and serve hot.