Beef Kofta Kebabs Cucumber Yogurt (Print Version)
Spiced beef skewers grilled and paired with a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce for vibrant flavors.
# What You Need:
→ For the Beef Kofta Kebabs
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
02 - 1 small onion, finely grated
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp ground coriander
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
→ For the Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
14 - 1 cup Greek yogurt
15 - 1/2 medium cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
16 - 1 clove garlic, minced
17 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
18 - 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
19 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
20 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ To Serve
21 - Lemon wedges
22 - Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, or cilantro)
23 - Warm pita or flatbread (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly until well combined but do not overwork the meat.
02 - Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With wet hands, shape each portion around a metal or soaked wooden skewer, forming long, sausage-like kebabs about 5–6 inches in length.
03 - Place the shaped kebabs on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to help them hold their shape.
04 - Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber yogurt sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
05 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the kebabs lightly with olive oil.
06 - Grill the kebabs for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely browned and cooked through.
07 - Serve hot with cucumber yogurt sauce, lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and flatbread if desired.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- The warm spice blend hits differently when paired with that cool creamy sauce
- They come together faster than you think but taste like something from a restaurant
02 -
- Chilling the formed kebabs is not optional theyll fall apart on the grill without it
- Squeezing the excess liquid from the grated cucumber prevents a watery sauce
03 -
- Use wet hands when shaping the kebabs to prevent sticking
- The sauce tastes even better after sitting for an hour in the fridge