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!
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.
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.
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.
Speaking of easy lamb recipes, if you love these koftas, I know you will also love Moroccan Lamb Meat Balls. Perfect as an appetizer or stuffed into a wrap or sub.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground lamb
- 2 tbsp Cinnamon Chili Seasoning
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup oil (to coat)
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
Notes
Tara
Kebabs are one of my summer favorites!! This recipe is delicious 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
This is a great way to feed a crowd at a BBQ party.
lauren
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!
Homemade & Yummy
Now you see how easy it is to make them at home…..ENJOY!!
Julie
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!
Homemade & Yummy
These are super easy…hope you give this recipe a try.
Kitty
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!
Homemade & Yummy
These are super easy….and so delicious.
Sam
Wow these kebabs look amazing!!! Love the spices in here and that it’s made with lamb! My husband would love this!!
Homemade & Yummy
Well I hope you give this recipe a try. We love them.
Jessica
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!
Homemade & Yummy
ALL kinds of kebabs are delicious for sure. Those sound amzazing.
Donna
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
Homemade & Yummy
You can flavour lamb so many different and delicious ways.
Monica
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!
Homemade & Yummy
I know…these are fun and delicious….and the traditional kofta shape is easy to make.
Rachel
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!
Homemade & Yummy
These are super easy to make….and I hope you try this recipe soon.