Beef Kofta Kebabs Tzatziki (Printable)
Spiced beef kofta grilled to perfection with creamy tzatziki for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Kofta Kebabs
01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 1 small onion, finely grated
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp ground coriander
08 - 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
09 - 0.5 tsp paprika
10 - 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
→ Tzatziki
14 - 1 cup Greek yogurt
15 - 0.5 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
16 - 1 clove garlic, minced
17 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
18 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
19 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
20 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Optional for Serving
21 - Warm pita bread or flatbreads
22 - Sliced red onion
23 - Cherry tomatoes, halved
24 - Fresh parsley or mint leaves
25 - Lemon wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly without overworking the meat.
02 - Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Form each portion into a long sausage shape around a skewer, pressing firmly to ensure the meat adheres.
03 - Lightly brush each kofta kebab with olive oil to prevent sticking during cooking.
04 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the kebabs for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
05 - While the kebabs cook, mix Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
06 - Plate the hot kofta kebabs alongside the tzatziki sauce. Add optional warm pita, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spice blend is warm and slightly sweet without ever being overwhelming, and it makes your kitchen smell incredible.
- These come together in under an hour from start to finish, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
02 -
- Don't skip squeezing the grated cucumber dry for tzatziki—wet cucumber will dilute everything and ruin the creamy texture you're after.
- The meat mixture should feel soft and slightly loose; if it feels dense or overworked, the koftas will be tough instead of tender.
03 -
- If your meat mixture seems too loose, chill it for 15 minutes before shaping—it'll be much easier to work with and hold its shape better on the grill.
- Metal skewers conduct heat and cook the inside faster than wooden ones, but if you use wooden skewers, soak them for at least 30 minutes so they don't char.