Craving something with bold flavors and a little bit of spice? These Grilled Lamb Kofta are your answer! Picture tender, juicy lamb mixed with aromatic herbs and spices, all molded into perfect little skewers and grilled to perfection. The charred outside gives way to a juicy, flavorful inside that’s absolutely irresistible. Trust me, these koftas are a game-changer for your BBQ nights or any time you want to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal. And the best part? They’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Lamb Kofta

Name: Grilled Lamb Kofta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground lamb; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Wooden or metal skewers

Flavorsome: The combination of lamb with spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering, aromatic bite that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Perfectly Grilled: The grilling process brings out the best in lamb, creating a delicious smoky flavor while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Quick and Easy: You’ll have these koftas on the grill in no time! With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up.

Customizable: You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste or even mix in some vegetables or cheese for a unique twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: These koftas are perfect for any gathering, from a casual weeknight dinner to a backyard BBQ. Whether you’re serving them on a platter or stuffed in pita, they’re always a hit.

Ingredients for Grilled Lamb Kofta

Here’s everything you need to make these juicy, flavorful koftas:

Ground Lamb: The star of the show! Tender and flavorful, lamb gives these koftas their signature taste.
Garlic: Adds that rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with lamb.
Onion: Sweet and aromatic, it enhances the kofta mixture.
Fresh Parsley and Mint: These herbs provide a burst of freshness and complement the lamb perfectly.
Cumin & Coriander: Earthy and warm, these spices give the koftas a depth of flavor.
Paprika: A touch of smoky sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Olive Oil: To keep the koftas moist and juicy while grilling.
Skewers: For grilling the koftas to perfection.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these succulent Grilled Lamb Kofta:

1. Prepare the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Don’t overmix, or the koftas might become tough!

2. Form the Koftas:
Once the mixture is ready, divide it into small portions and mold each portion into an oblong shape around your skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning.

3. Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates with a brush or a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Koftas:
Place the skewered koftas on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The koftas should be browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. For perfect results, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C).

5. Rest and Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the koftas from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle inside the meat, making them extra tender.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Grilled Lamb Kofta with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad. Drizzle with a little yogurt sauce or tahini for a creamy finish, and you’re good to go!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~250-300 (varies depending on the size of the koftas and serving style)

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Lamb Kofta

These koftas are so versatile, they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and condiments. Here are a few ideas:

Flatbread or Pita: Serve the koftas wrapped in warm pita with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of yogurt or tahini.
Couscous or Rice: A side of fluffy couscous or rice makes the perfect base to complement the rich flavors of the lamb.
Greek Salad: A fresh, tangy salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives will balance out the richness of the koftas.
Dips: Serve with a side of creamy tzatziki, hummus, or baba ghanoush for extra flavor.
Grilled Veggies: Pair with grilled vegetables like peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the kofta mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Add Heat: If you like a little spice, add chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the lamb mixture.
Make Mini Koftas: For smaller, appetizer-sized servings, form mini koftas and grill for about 4-5 minutes.
Oven Option: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the koftas in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use beef or chicken instead of lamb?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef or chicken for lamb. Keep in mind, the flavor will change, but it’ll still be delicious.

2. How do I keep the koftas juicy?
The key to juicy koftas is not overmixing the meat and ensuring they don’t dry out on the grill. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

3. Can I make these koftas without skewers?
Yes, you can shape the kofta mixture into patties instead of skewering them. They will still cook perfectly on the grill or in a pan.

4. Can I freeze the kofta mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked kofta mixture for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

5. How long should I cook the koftas?
Grill the koftas for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through inside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

6. Can I make the koftas smaller?
Of course! You can make mini koftas for appetizers. Just reduce the grilling time to about 4-5 minutes.

7. What can I serve with these koftas?
They pair well with couscous, rice, Greek salad, hummus, tzatziki, and grilled vegetables.

8. Can I bake the koftas instead of grilling them?
Yes, you can bake them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

9. How do I make sure the koftas don’t fall apart?
The key is to mix the ingredients gently and make sure the koftas are tightly packed around the skewers or in patty form.

10. Can I add more vegetables to the kofta mixture?
Yes, you can finely chop vegetables like bell peppers or onions and mix them into the lamb mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress, Grilled Lamb Kofta are the way to go. With their perfect balance of spices, herbs, and tender lamb, they’re the ultimate grilling recipe. Whether you’re serving them as a main course with sides or as finger food at your next gathering, these koftas will quickly become a favorite. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!

Grilled Lamb Kofta

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Grilled Lamb Kofta is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with ground lamb, spices, and fresh herbs. These skewers are perfect for grilling and offer a tender, juicy bite with each mouthful.

Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6–8 koftas 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grill
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
Divide the lamb mixture into 6-8 portions and mold each portion around a skewer, shaping the meat into long, oval-shaped koftas. Press the meat gently so it stays in place during grilling.
Brush the koftas with olive oil to prevent sticking, and place them on the grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the koftas are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Remove the koftas from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve with flatbread, yogurt sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef or chicken for the lamb if you prefer a different protein.
For added flavor, marinate the meat mixture for an hour or overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Serve the koftas with a side of grilled vegetables or a cucumber-tomato salad for a refreshing complement.