Lebanese Kafta Recipe
If you love bold flavors and tender, juicy meat that feels cozy and fresh all at once, then you are going to adore this Lebanese Kafta Recipe. This classic Middle Eastern dish brings together fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and ground meat into perfectly shaped kebabs that are grilled to smoky, delicious perfection. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that always feels like a warm hug from a dear friend — easy to prepare, quick to cook, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or impressing guests with authentic Lebanese flavors, this recipe has that irresistible charm that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lebanese Kafta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the perfect harmony of flavor and texture — from the savory ground meat to the vibrant herbs and spices that give it that unmistakable Middle Eastern flair.
- Ground beef or lamb: Choose fresh meat with a bit of fat for juicy, flavorful kafta kebabs.
- Onion, grated: Adds moisture and sweetness while blending seamlessly into the mixture.
- Garlic, minced: Provides a punch of aromatic depth that awakens the palate.
- Parsley, chopped: Brings freshness and a subtle herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Cumin: Introduces an earthy warmth fundamental to Lebanese cuisine.
- Cinnamon: Gives a hint of sweet spice that enhances the meat’s richness.
- Allspice: Adds complexity with its blend of clove, nutmeg, and pepper flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and deepen all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for grilling, it helps achieve that perfect char and keeps the kebabs juicy.
How to Make Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Ingredients
Start by combining the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until well combined. This process lets all the spices infuse evenly, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Shape the Kebabs
Next, take portions of the meat mixture and mold them into long, oval-shaped kebabs. Press firmly but gently so they hold together well on the grill—this shape helps them cook evenly and makes them perfect for serving with pita or alongside salads.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the cooking surface with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage a beautiful char. This step is crucial for getting that authentic taste and satisfying texture.
Step 4: Grill the Kafta
Place your shaped kafta on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Keep an eye out for a deep golden-brown color and a juicy interior—when the kebabs are cooked through and nicely browned, they are ready to come off the heat.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, pair your freshly grilled kafta with warm pita bread, a dollop of creamy hummus, or a crisp salad. The vibrant spices and tender texture make it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
How to Serve Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate the Lebanese Kafta Recipe experience. Fresh chopped parsley or mint leaves sprinkled on top add a refreshing contrast, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the rich flavors beautifully. You can also serve with a drizzle of tahini sauce or a spoonful of garlic yogurt for an extra layer of creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
Lebanese Kafta shines when accompanied by classic Middle Eastern sides. Think creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, tangy tabbouleh salad, or fluffy rice pilaf. These sides bring lots of texture, color, and additional aromatic notes that complement the kebabs wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Lebanese Kafta Recipe as sliders inside mini pita pockets with pickled vegetables and garlic sauce. You can also skewer the kebabs alongside grilled vegetables for a vibrant platter. Don’t shy away from making it into a wrap with fresh veggies and tahini for an easy, on-the-go meal that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Lebanese Kafta, simply store the cooked kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them well-sealed preserves their flavor and juiciness so they remain delicious when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze both raw and cooked kafta. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. This method prevents sticking and makes portioning easy later. Frozen kafta kebabs will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftover kafta in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat. A gentle reheat keeps the kebabs juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different — you might want to add a bit of olive oil to keep the meat moist during grilling.
Is it essential to grate the onion instead of chopping?
Grating the onion helps it blend smoothly into the meat mixture without creating large chunks. This keeps the kafta tender and juicy rather than adding crunch, which is traditional for this recipe.
What spices can I adjust if I don’t have allspice or cinnamon?
If you’re short on allspice or cinnamon, a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves can be a good substitute. The key is to keep that warm, slightly sweet spice profile that complements the meat beautifully.
Can Lebanese Kafta Recipe be cooked indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan on your stovetop or even a broiler can work wonderfully. Just make sure to oil the surface well and watch the cooking time carefully to get those lovely grill marks and the right level of doneness.
What’s the best way to serve kafta for a party?
For entertaining, consider making smaller, bite-sized kafta kebabs and serve them with an array of dipping sauces and pita wedges. This makes them easy to eat while mingling and adds a fun, interactive element to your gathering.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing the Lebanese Kafta Recipe. With its simple ingredients, bold spices, and finger-licking good flavors, it’s a dish that never fails to bring people together around the table. I hope you give it a try and find joy in every fragrant, juicy bite!
Print
Lebanese Kafta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made from seasoned ground beef or lamb mixed with fragrant spices and herbs. Shaped into elongated kebabs, these delights are grilled to perfection, offering a deliciously smoky and tender bite. Perfect for a quick, savory meal served alongside pita bread, hummus, or fresh salads.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Others
- Olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to form a homogeneous mixture.
- Shape the kebabs: With clean hands, mold the meat mixture into long, oval-shaped kebabs, ensuring they are compact to prevent falling apart on the grill.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium heat and lightly brush the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Grill the kafta: Place the shaped kebabs onto the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Grill until they develop a nice brown crust and are cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Serve warm: Remove the kafta from the grill and serve immediately with accompaniments such as warm pita bread, creamy hummus, or a fresh salad of your choice.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb with beef for a leaner version.
- Soaking the skewers in water for 30 minutes before shaping the meat can prevent burning if using wooden skewers.
- For additional flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
- Make sure the grill is adequately preheated to avoid sticking.
- Leftover kafta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the grill or stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
