Juicy Egyptian Kofta Recipe

Juicy Egyptian Kofta Recipe – How to Make the Perfect Grilled Kebabs

Want to make authentic Egyptian Kofta (Kebab) that’s juicy, flavorful, and never falls apart? This easy kofta recipe uses just six simple ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Whether you're grilling for a family gathering or meal-prepping for the week, these beef or lamb kebabs will impress. Plus, we’ll share a creamy tahini sauce to serve alongside for the ultimate Middle Eastern feast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Ingredients: Just 6 pantry-friendly ingredients.

Juicy & Flavorful: High-fat meat and proper kneading create the perfect texture.

Easy to Make: Simple steps with pro tips to prevent the meat from falling off the skewers.

Pairs Perfectly: Serve with warm pita, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

(Makes 10-12 skewers)

For the Kofta:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) minced lamb or beef (30% fat content)

• 2-3 medium onions, finely minced or grated

• 25 g (1 cup) fresh parsley, finely chopped (stems removed)

• 3 tsp salt

• 2.5 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Creamy Tahini Sauce:

• 75 g (1/4 cup) yogurt

• 50 g (3 tbsp) tahini paste

• 20 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice

• 50 ml (3 tbsp) water

• 1/4 tsp salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onions (The Secret to Juicy Kofta!)

• Grate or finely mince the onions using a food processor.

• Squeeze out excess liquid using a cheesecloth, tea towel, or fine sieve—retain a little moisture for juiciness.

➡️ Why? Removing excess water prevents kofta from falling apart while grilling.

Step 2: Mix the Kofta Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, drained onions, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.

• Knead for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is sticky—this helps bind the meat together.

• Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour to firm up.

Step 3: Make the Tahini Sauce

• In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, water, and spices.

• Adjust thickness by adding more water if needed.

➡️ Pro Tip: This sauce also pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted veggies!

Step 4: Shape the Kofta Skewers

• Take a handful of meat and form an oblong shape around a flat skewer.

• Press firmly to ensure the meat sticks to the skewer.

• Repeat with the remaining meat, making about 10-12 skewers.

• Let them rest in the fridge for 10 minutes before grilling.

➡️ No skewers? Shape into sausage-like patties and grill directly!

Step 5: Grill the Kofta to Perfection

• Preheat the grill to high heat (coals should be white and hot).

• Place skewers on the grill and rotate every 20-30 seconds for 2 minutes to form a crust.

• Continue grilling, turning every minute, for a total of 6 minutes until browned.

➡️ If a skewer falls apart, reshape and cook directly on the grill.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve with warm pita bread, tahini sauce, and fresh parsley.

• For a kofta sandwich, add sliced tomatoes, pickled cucumbers, and tahini sauce in a wrap.

Pro Tips for the Best Kofta

• Use Cold Meat: Keeps the fat firm, preventing the meat from breaking apart.

• Knead Well: Ensures the kofta mixture sticks together.

• Flat Skewers Work Best: They help the meat grip better and cook evenly.

What to Serve with Egyptian Kofta

• Garlic Yogurt Sauce – A cooling contrast to the spiced kofta.

• Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf – Fluffy, fragrant rice is a perfect side.

• Grilled Veggies – Eggplant, bell peppers, and onions pair beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bake kofta instead of grilling?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping once.

Can I use lean meat?

It’s best to use 30% fat for juicier kofta. If using lean meat, add 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent dryness.

How do I store leftovers?

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze raw or cooked kofta for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This authentic Egyptian Kofta recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Middle Eastern flavors. It’s simple, juicy, and packed with smoky goodness—perfect for grilling season or a cozy home-cooked meal.

Try this recipe today, and let us know in the comments how it turned out!

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