Juicy Backyard Grilled Beef Kafta Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Sizzling summer nights call for these mouthwatering beef kafta skewers that blend Middle Eastern spices with smoky grilled perfection.

Packed with aromatic herbs and zesty seasonings, this kafta recipe promises a flavor explosion that transports you straight to a bustling Lebanese street market.

Each skewer bursts with bold, juicy ground beef marinated in a symphony of garlic, parsley, and warm spices.

The blend of cumin, cinnamon, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible aroma that will have everyone gathering around the grill.

These tender, charred kafta skewers are more than just a meal – they’re a celebration of vibrant culinary traditions.

Serve alongside warm pita, a crisp salad, and cool yogurt sauce for a complete dining experience that sparks conversation and satisfies every hungry soul.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Grilled Beef Kafta Skewers

• Lean Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty foundation with perfect protein content for juicy and tender kafta skewers.

• Fresh Parsley, Yellow Onion: Adds bright, fresh flavor and natural sweetness to balance the meat's richness.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Seven Spice Blend, Cayenne Pepper: Creates complex, layered seasoning with warm Middle Eastern spice profile, offering depth and gentle heat that enhances meat's natural flavors.

• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers subtle, vibrant kick that lingers pleasantly, allowing customizable spice level by adjusting quantity.

Equipment to Grill Beef Kafta Skewers

• Food Processor: Essential for finely chopping parsley and onion quickly and evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ground beef, herbs, and spices comfortably.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Crucial for shaping and grilling the kafta meat mixture.
• Grill: Key tool for achieving those delicious char marks and smoky flavor.
• Tongs: Handy for safely flipping skewers and moving them around the grill.
• Cutting Board: Needed for initial chopping of fresh herbs and onion.
• Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.

How to Cook Beef Kafta Skewers Perfectly

• Herb and Onion Blend

Finely chop fresh parsley and onion using a food processor until they create a fragrant, uniform mixture.

• Meat Seasoning

Combine the herb blend with ground beef and aromatic spices, mixing thoroughly with your hands to ensure even distribution of flavors.

• Skewer Preparation

Shape the seasoned meat mixture around skewers, creating uniform cylindrical shapes that will cook evenly on the grill.

• Grill Setup

Heat the grill to medium-high temperature and lightly oil the grates to prevent the kafta from sticking during cooking.

• Cooking Process

Grill the skewers for about 4 minutes on each side, rotating carefully to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and ensure the meat is cooked through completely.

Tips for Grilling Juicy Kafta Skewers

• Learn how to make perfect Beef Kafta Skewers every time!
• Add a splash of grated onion juice or yogurt to keep your ground beef extra juicy and tender during grilling.
• Wet your hands with cold water before shaping meat around skewers to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform kebabs.
• Let the seasoned meat mixture rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before grilling to allow spices to deeply penetrate and enhance overall taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure beef reaches 160°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked skewers without drying out the meat.

Ways to Serve Grilled Beef Kafta Skewers

• Picnic Paradise Platter: Spread these juicy kafta skewers on a large wooden board with fresh pita bread, crisp cucumber slices, and vibrant tomato wedges for an inviting outdoor meal.
• Middle Eastern Mezze Magic: Pair the skewers with creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki sauce, and a simple herb salad to create an authentic Mediterranean dining experience that transports your taste buds.
• Family-Style Feast Presentation: Arrange the skewers on a communal platter, surrounded by grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions, encouraging shared enjoyment and conversation around the meal.
• Refreshing Accompaniment Burst: Serve alongside a bright Lebanese-style salad with chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing to complement the rich, spiced beef flavors.

Storing Grilled Kafta Skewers for Later

• Smart Batch Preparation: Whip up extra kafta skewers during weekend cooking sessions and store them in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. These flavorful skewers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days, making meal planning a breeze.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Uncooked kafta mixture can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed in freezer bags, staying fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best texture and taste.
• Leftover Magic: Slice cold kafta skewers and tuck them into warm pita bread with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and a dollop of yogurt sauce. This transforms your original meal into a delicious next-day lunch option.
• Refrigeration Tips: Always cool grilled skewers completely before storing. Place them in shallow containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth. Consume refrigerated cooked skewers within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and safety.

Savory Beef Kafta Skewers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Lebanese Grilled Beef Kafta Skewers combine ground beef, fresh herbs, and warm spices into succulent grilled meat delights. Served with pita and tangy yogurt sauce, this classic Middle Eastern dish promises a delicious journey through traditional flavors you will savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 600 g (1.32 lbs) lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
• 1 cup fresh parsley, washed and patted dry
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp seven spice blend
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, more to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Pulverize onion quarters and parsley in a food processor until uniformly minced, creating a fragrant herb base.
2. Seasoning: Merge processed herbs with ground beef and authentic Middle Eastern spices in a spacious mixing bowl, massaging ingredients to distribute flavors thoroughly.
3. Skewering: Mold seasoned meat mixture around metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, forming consistent cylindrical shapes approximately 1-1.5 inches thick.
4. Grilling Setup: Ignite grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F), lightly oil grates to prevent meat from sticking and ensure pristine grill marks.
5. Cooking Process: Position kafta skewers on heated grill, searing each side for 3-5 minutes until exterior develops a rich caramelized crust and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Resting: Transfer grilled skewers from heat, allowing 2-3 minutes of rest to redistribute internal juices and maximize meat tenderness.

Notes

• Meat Moisture Matters: Avoid overworking the ground beef to prevent tough, dense kafta; mix ingredients gently to maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Spice Precision: Use fresh, high-quality Middle Eastern spices like cumin and allspice for authentic, robust flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Skewer Selection Strategy: Choose flat metal skewers to prevent meat rotation during grilling, ensuring even cooking and perfect caramelization on all sides.
• Temperature Control Technique: Let meat rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling to promote consistent cooking and prevent dry, overcooked exterior.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg