This Lebanese Kafta is a delicious mix of beef or lamb, fresh herbs, and spices, all grilled to perfection. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a family meal or a BBQ with friends!
I love serving it with warm pita and a side of creamy garlic sauce. Trust me, that combo is a game-changer! It’s so easy to make, you’ll be tempted to have it every week! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: Either of these works great! I often choose ground lamb for a richer flavor, but beef is equally delicious. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Fresh Herbs: The parsley adds brightness, while mint gives an optional, refreshing twist. If you don’t have fresh mint, you can skip it or substitute with dried mint — just use less since it’s more concentrated.
Spices: Allspice and cumin are key for that warm flavor. If you’re out of allspice, use a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg instead. If you prefer a milder kick, reduce the cayenne pepper or skip it altogether.
Olive Oil: This helps keep the kafta moist and flavorful. You can replace it with any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil, but I find olive oil adds a nice level of richness.
How Do I Get the Perfect Shape for Kafta on Skewers?
Shaping kafta can be tricky, but with a few tips, it becomes easy! Here’s what works for me:
- Moisten your hands with water or oil. This prevents the meat from sticking to your hands while shaping.
- Take a handful of the meat mixture and roll it into a log shape before placing it on the skewer. Aim for a flat, oval shape for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave space between each kafta piece to allow heat circulation, which ensures even cooking.
How to Make Lebanese Kafta (Beef or Lamb)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kafta:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4-6 wooden or metal skewers
For Serving:
- Hummus
- Cucumber, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to marinate, plus about 12 minutes of cooking time on the grill. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Lebanese kafta in just about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint (if you’re using it), ground allspice, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until it’s well blended and all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Marinate the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors really come together and taste amazing!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
While your kafta mixture is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling.
4. Shape the Kafta:
Once the marinating time is up, take the meat mixture out of the fridge. Shape the mixture around each skewer, forming long sausage-shaped patties. Make sure they are tightly packed so they don’t fall apart on the grill.
5. Grill the Kafta:
Before placing the skewers on the grill, brush each kafta with olive oil. This will help prevent them from sticking to the grill. Grill the kafta skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked through and have beautiful grill marks. You’ll know they’re done when they are brown and firm to the touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When your kafta is ready, take them off the grill and place them on a serving platter. Serve with hummus, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese (if you want). Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for garnish. Enjoy your Lebanese kafta with warm pita bread or over rice for a complete meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey or Chicken for Beef or Lamb?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb! Just keep in mind that these lean meats might not have the same richness, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or sautéed onions to enhance flavor and moisture.
How Long Can I Marinate the Kafta Mixture?
You can marinate the kafta mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen even more! Just make sure to cover it well to avoid any contamination.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kafta?
Store any leftover kafta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. To keep it juicy, add a splash of water while reheating.
Can I Make Kafta in the Oven Instead of Grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kafta skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and browned. This is a great option if grilling isn’t available!
