Lebanese Kafta — Grilled Herbed Ground Meat Skewers
Kafta is a beloved Middle Eastern classic that transforms simple ground beef into something truly special. Seasoned with fresh parsley and onion, shaped onto skewers, and grilled until golden, these juicy skewers are a crowd-pleaser at any cookout. Easy to make and full of flavor, they pair beautifully with pita and a fresh salad.
🛒 Ingredients
10 servings
- 1 kg ground beef, finely minced twice (chuck or round cut)
- 3 heaping tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Pinch of ground black pepper (optional)
- All-purpose flour, if needed to help bind the mixture
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Oil for basting during cooking
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Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until the mixture is uniform and well blended.
- 2
If the mixture is too wet to shape, add a small amount of flour and mix again until it holds together.
- 3
Divide the meat into 12 to 15 equal portions.
- 4
Wrap each portion around a skewer, pressing and shaping it firmly into a long sausage form so it adheres securely.
- 5
Grill over medium heat, turning the skewers regularly to achieve even browning and a lightly charred crust all around.
- 6
Brush with a little oil while grilling to keep the kafta moist and give it an appealing golden finish.
💡 Chef's Tip
Chill the seasoned meat mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping — it firms up nicely and the skewers hold their form better on the grill. A pinch of cumin or allspice adds an extra layer of authentic Middle Eastern flavor.
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