Homemade & Yummy

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Grilled Kofta Kebabs made with LAMB

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Grilled Kofta Kebabs are fun and easy to make, perfect for BBQ parties all season long. Made with only 2 ingredients, these lamb kebabs are sure to please. Whether you call them kebabs, kabobs or shish kabobs, these delicious lamb koftas will be a hit at your next party.

Ground lamb and seasoning are all it takes to make this super simple kofta kebab recipe. Fire up the grill and get cooking!

Grilled Kofta Kebabs Made with LAMB on naan bread, garnished and ready to eat.

So what do you call them? Kebabs, kabobs, or shish kabobs? How about skewers or meat on a stick? Whatever you call them, they all have one thing in common, DELICIOUSNESS!

If you have never made koftas before, you are in for a tasty treat. With a couple of simple ingredients and a (little) bit of time, before you know it, you will be a kebab master. After you make these for the first time, you will wonder why on earth you never tried these before.

How To Make Grilled Kofta Kebabs

Do know how easy kofta kebabs are to make? SO EASY! I think this has got to be one of the simplest grilling recipes ever.

  • combine ground meat and seasoning
  • shape into LARGE meatballs
  • roll to form a “sausage”
  • slide onto skewer
  • flatten slightly
  • grill

You have to admit, it doesn’t get easier than this, right? OK, throwing some frozen burgers on the grill is EASY too, BUT after you try this kofta recipe, frozen burgers will only be for emergencies.

Ground lamb in a bowl, with seasoning ready to be made into kofta kebabs.

You can mix any type of seasoning you like into the ground meat. I used some wonderfully aromatic Cinnamon Chili blend. Don’t be scared to experiment here. You can also add diced onion and garlic too. I used a kitchen scale to weigh the meatballs. This makes hubby happy since they are all the same size. Meaning they will cook up evenly.

Ground lamb made into large meatballs, ready to form into koftas.

I like to keep things simple and stress-free in the summer. With only 2 ingredients, these grilled kofta’s turned out fantastic. 

Being Ukrainian, I have had my share of “meat on a stick” as we call it. If you really want to get technical, they actually are called patychky. These are breaded meat kebabs that are fried in oil.

Grilled Kofta Kebabs are so much less labour intensive to make. Mix, slide on a skewer and grill. Honestly, you really need to give this kebab recipe a try for yourself.

Meats Used in Kofta Kebabs

Kebabs use GROUND meat. So:

  • beef
  • chicken (or turkey)
  • lamb
  • and even pork

For this kofta recipe, I used LAMB. Do you like lamb? I will admit that the first time I tried lamb, I was NOT impressed. Unfortunately, my late mother-in-law was not a fantastic cook. Pan-fried lamb chops, smothered in mint sauce was my FIRST lamb experience, and not a good one either.

Close up of kofta kebab getting threaded onto a metal skewer.

My husband and I were just recently engaged. I was trying to be polite (as I tried to secretly pass the lamb over to my soon-to-be husband). Luckily she never caught on. Still to this day my husband laughs about that meal. He is glad I didn’t judge his mothers’ cooking efforts and decide to “back out”.

Since that first attempt at eating lamb turned me off (for MANY years), I have since then grown to LOVE it. My cooking methods are much different than what he was used to. Have you ever tried lamb egg rolls? WOW, they are so good, I always have some in the freezer. You can’t buy these in the store.

Lamb Kofta Kebabs on a tray ready for the grill.

These super delicious lamb kofta kebabs can be your main meat dish, served with some great tasting side dishes. We decided to eat them in a wrap. We used naan bread (that was just slightly grilled), pea shoots and coleslaw were the base. The meat was garnished with some mayo that was mixed with peach preserves. Delicious or what? They were so good, I almost think I like koftas more than burgers!

Close up of grilled lamb kofta on naan bread waiting to get garnished.

You can have lots of fun with this kofta kebab recipe. From the seasonings you use, to the garnishes you choose. Stuffed in a bun or pita, or the main event along with some great sides. There is no wrong way to devour kebabs. Mix and match flavours and ingredients for a tasty fusion take on traditional koftas.

Grilled Lamb Kebab garnished and ready to eat.

If you are looking for a great new dish to serve at your next BBQ party, give this Grilled Kofta Kebabs recipe a try. HAPPY GRILLING!

What is your favourite “skewer” recipe?

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Grilled Kofta Kebabs Made with LAMB on naan bread, garnished and ready to eat.

Grilled Kofta Kebabs made with LAMB

Grilled Kofta Kebabs are so easy to make. 2 ingredients are all it takes to grill up some delicious koftas that can be stuffed in buns, or used as the main event with a selection of sides.
4.98 from 43 votes
Print Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Kofta Kebabs, Meat on a stick
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 381kcal
Author: Homemade & Yummy

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground lamb
  • 2 tbsp Cinnamon Chili Seasoning
  • salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup oil (to coat)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To Make the Koftas:

  • In a large bowl combine the ground lamb and seasoning.
  • Mix and divide into 8 equal portions (4 ounces each). I used a kitchen scale.
  • Roll each portion into a LARGE meatball.
  • One at a time, take a meatball and roll into a log/sausage form (about 6 inches long).
  • Thread onto a skewer, and slightly flatten. (I used metal skewers. You can use bamboo, but be sure to soak them in water first).
  • Brush koftas on both sides with oil and set aside till ready to grill.

To Grill the Koftas:

  • Preheat grill to medium-high.
  • Grill koftas approximately 6 minutes per side (turning once). Internal meat temperature should be 160º F.
  • Remove from grill onto a serving platter.
  • ENJOY!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 381kcal | Protein: 18g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 251mg | Calcium: 1.8% | Iron: 9.8%

Notes

Have fun with this recipe. Try different seasonings, or switch out the meat if you like. Serve as a wrap, or as the main dish with a few sides. 

Grilled Kofta Kebab made with LAMB pin image.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. This reminds me of the ones you get at the street carts in New York City! My husband and I always make it a point to get those as a handy snack late night, can’t wait to try and make them at home!

    Reply

  3. This is one of my favorite dishes to order from our local Middle Eastern restaurant. I never thought about making them at home, but now I have to try!

    Reply

  4. I loave meat on a stick hahaha! Never made kofta but you make it sound so easy I’m gonna add this to my weeknight dinner repertoire. Thanks!

    Reply

  6. When my Turkish friend visited me a few years ago we made these all the time. I still remember mixing some finely chopped vegetables and herbs and forming them around the kebab stick. They are delicious!

    Reply

  7. My husband is Lebanese so I have eaten a lot of Kofta in my time. I love that it is such a simple meal to prepare, and that the spices really shine through the flavor of the lamb. I am inspired to get out there and experiment with the spices and get grilling today. I definitely have a hankering for some kofta with fresh leb bread and strained yogurt!! YUM

    Reply

  8. Agreed, these are delicious, by any name whatsoever! I have made lots of more traditional kabob skewers, but never quite like this in the kofta shape – seems like such a fun way to change things up!

    Reply

  9. Looking at this recipe is making me super hungry. Lamb kebabs are one of my favorite things to eat and it won’t be hard to whip up a batch because your recipe looks so tasty and simple!

    Reply

  14. Kebabs are so versatile, add them to flatbreads, wraps, between sandwich bread, make a kofta curry, enjoy them as starters with dips as starters, the options are endless. Make them with all sorts of meats, lentils, potatoes, sweet potatoes etc. You’ve mastered these lamb kebabs, making them with other meats will be easy.

    Reply

  17. Wow, I didn’t know they are so easy to make and look delicious!! I’m a meat lover, so these are a must-try for me. Is the Cinnamon Chili ingredient just a mixture of cinnamon and chili? Thank you!

    Reply

  19. I have only grown to like lamb recently too so these kebabs sound fantastic. I love a 2 ingredient recipe and I need to find some chili cinnamon!

    Reply

  21. I love lamb – this is definitely my type of kofta but I think I might like to try the Ukrainian version you mentioned also 🙂

    Reply

  23. I’ve never made lamb kebabs before, I’ve only had lamb when eating out. Your photos are so beautiful and appetizing, I’m convinced I have to give it a try. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

  25. These look amazing!! Love the idea of new dish at the summer bbq this year 🙂 I have no idea what cinnamon chili is but you better believe I am going to go find some .. sounds so perfect for warmer weather.

    Reply

  26. My favourite skewer recipe is a pork/pineapple combo, but I LOVE lamb koftas. Lamb is one of my favourite meats – it’s got such lovely flavour and depth! I haven’t tried lamb egg rolls, but I’m completely intrigued, I’ll have to check out that recipe too!

    Reply

  27. This looks so tasty and so easy! I’ve only ever had lamb once, and I’ve never worked with it myself, but this seems pretty approachable. And I’ve never heard of cinnamon chili seasoning! But I know those flavors go super well together. Can’t wait to try it out!

    Reply

  28. This recipe is on the docket this weekend. It reminds Hubby of Gyros he had when he was stationed in Greece. We love our double prong skewers. We have a bunch of them and I don’t remember where we got them. I’ll have to make up a batch of flatbread to serve along with the Kofta Kebabs. Can’t wait to taste them.

    Reply

  29. I’ve never made Kofta! I keep seeing these types of delicious kebabs on the Internet and need to try them! We’re big lamb fans around here, and I can only imagine how flavorful these are. I love how you’ve served them with the naan bread and that delicious-sounding peach preserve mayonnaise. What a great pairing of sweet and savory!

    Reply

  30. Confession time I have never made lamb kebabs always beef or chicken..these look so good and only 2 ingredients how can you not try.pinning for later

    Reply

  31. Its fantastic how just a few ingredients can make an outstanding dish. I would love to try it with lamb first, and then maybe mixing two meats together? Chicken and pork? Sound good too!

    Reply

  32. These grilled kofta kebabs look fantastic, so juicy!. My whole family will surely love this recipe when I make it for them next time we’ll have a barbecue.

    Reply

  33. Kofta is such a great way to mix things up in the summer! I’m glad you tried lamb again since it’s such a great meat when cooked properly. I’ve never thought about using cinnamon chili in my kofta, but I’m going to have to give that try soon. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

  34. I loved that story about lamb chops and mint sauce. Very funny! We also didn’t eat lamb in my family for many years but we do (and love) now. These koftas look really good and delicious and I actually really like those skewers that you have with double prongs. I need to look for them also. And thanks for the tip for weighing the ingredients!

    Reply

    • HAHAH…well thank god I didn’t stop at my first experience…or these would not be on the blog. I wish I remembered where we got those skewers….I will see if I can hunt that info down.

  35. Kofta Kebabs are my most favorite meat dish and I love how you can serve these kebabs as starters, as a main dish. At home we eat it with naan. It’s great with pita, buns too. That kofta kebab looks like one perfect kebab.

    Reply

  36. I haven’t tried Kofta Kebabs although I would be eager to try. I’ll never forget the first time I suggested to Hubby that we make lamb for dinner. You’d think I said lets eat spoiled meat. For some reason he thought of old goat. Anyway, we both love lamb!! This would be a great recipe for us to try. We certainly enjoy grilling. It’s on the roster.

    Reply

  37. You can never go wrong with kebabs in summer. We love kababs and this would be a great treat to have when entertaining. That cinnamon chilly sounds yum. Saving this for later

    Reply

  38. Kofta’s are always a winner in my house. Everybody gets their own personal meatloaf. The versatility makes it fun, you can add whatever you want to these. When they are grilled, it’s even that much better. Thanks for sharing this recipe, they look amazing.

    Reply

  39. I LOVE lamb kofta… it is one of my favorite meals. I used to love this Persian place not far from where I lived in London where they made their own fresh bread and everything was just amazing. I would stop in and get their lamb kofta regularly. I never even considered I could make it before. I am definitely going to try it soon…. and also, I use kebab, kabob, and shish kabob interchangeably.

    Reply

  40. I have never thought to put chili seasoning with lamb it really enhances the flavor of meat I need to try that. My whole family loves lamb and they will surely love this recipe when I make it for them.

    Reply

  41. This is such a welcome change from the usual burgers and hot dogs! We grill a lot around here during the summer (all year, actually) it’s too hot to use the oven. I can’t wait to try the other meats you suggested.

    Reply

  42. I’m always a little nervous about cooking lamb. This recipe was easy and the lamb turned out perfectly! I know we’ll be making these again and again!

    Reply

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