Description
Juicy, spice-infused beef kebabs grilled to perfection. This recipe uses a simple marinade and a crucial chilling step to ensure the meat stays on the skewer and delivers bold Middle Eastern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Grate the onion using the smallest holes on a box grater, then squeeze out excess liquid using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry grated onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Add the ground beef, cumin, coriander, paprika, allspice, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Knead the mixture vigorously by hand for 5-7 minutes until it becomes sticky and paste-like.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the fat.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using; wipe metal skewers clean.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F / 200-230°C) and oil the grates.
- Divide meat into 2-3 ounce portions. Wet hands slightly and shape meat into long, sausage-like logs around the skewers.
- Grill kebabs for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating occasionally, until cooked through and charred (total 12-15 minutes).
- Remove from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chilling the meat mixture for at least an hour is crucial to prevent the kebabs from falling apart on the grill. Ensure the onion is finely grated and squeezed dry to avoid excess moisture. Do not overcrowd the grill to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers per servin
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: kafta, beef kebabs, grilled meat, middle eastern recipe, summer grilling, high protein dinner, easy kebabs