Grilled Kofta Kebabs are fun and easy to make, perfect for summer grilling season. Made with only 2 ingredients!
Whether you call them kebabs, kabobs, or shish kabobs, these delicious lamb koftas kebabs will be a hit at your next bbq party.
Ground lamb and seasoning are all it takes to make this super simple kofta kebab recipe. Fire up the grill and get cooking! All you need is a simple side dish like this cold pea salad, or cucumber and onion salad and dinner is ready!
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for these minced lamb kebabs can be found at the bottom of this post.
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!
One of our favourite ways to cook on the grill. Chili Lime Chicken Skewers are always a hit. Have you tried Grilled Balsamic Strawberries? The perfect summer dessert.
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.
Lamb Kofta Kebab Ingredients
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 them before.
- ground lamb
- seasoning
- salt and pepper
- oil
Preparing This Lamb Kofta Recipe
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. Full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Combine ground meat and seasoning.
- Shape into LARGE meatballs.
- Roll to form a sausage shape.
- Slide onto the skewer.
- Flatten slightly.
Mix, slide on a skewer, and grill. You have to admit, it doesn’t get easier than this, right?
Throwing some frozen burgers on the grill is easy too, but after you try this kofta recipe, frozen burgers will only be for emergencies.
Grilling Koftas
- Brush each kofta kebab with a bit of oil.
- Preheat grill.
- Cook about 6 minutes per side over medium-high heat. The internal temperature should be 160º F.
Suggestions/Recipe Tips
Seasoning – 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. Smoked paprika, Moroccan seasoning, Greek seasoning, have fun. You can also add diced onion and garlic too.
Ground Lamb – You can turn this into chicken or beef koftas. Ground turkey works too.
Measuring – 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.
Skewers – I love using double-pronged stainless steel skewers. The meat does not flip flop when you turn it. You can use a single prong or bamboo skewers. Be sure to soak bamboo skewers in water befofe using them. Amazon affiliate link for skewers.
Serving – We love turning these into lamb kofta wraps. Add some shredded lettuce, pea shoots, or any greens like kale and arugula. Top with hummus, tzatziki, or tahini sauce, and enjoy. HINT: Bourbon Caramelized Onion Jam is a great topping!! Making these over the top delicious. You can also serve these on a bun.
Cooking Kofta Kebabs In The Oven – Prepare a baking sheet with foil or cooking spray. Place meat skewers on the sheet. Bake at about 400º F for about 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160º F.
Leftovers – Store cooked koftas wrapped in the fridge. They will last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Reheating – Wrap in foil and place in a preheated oven (about 375º F) until heated through.
Marinating – A great way to add some additional flavor to meats. This chocolate coffee marinade will give the kebabs a bold, smoky profile.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Generally speaking, shish kebabs contain chunks of meat, seafood, and vegetables on skewers. Koftas are made with ground or minced meat.
Central Asia, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. Traditional cuisine in countries like India, Morocco, Turkey, Pakistan, and Greece to name a few.
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Craving more delicious recipes using lamb? Give these a try:
Be sure to check out the great bbq recipes, perfect for summer cooking.
Looking for some summer roundups? Here you go:
Grilled Kofta Kebabs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground lamb
- 2 tablespoons Cinnamon Chili Seasoning
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- ¼ 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.
Debbie
These Grilled Kofta Kebabs are so super simple and so good. I love that this recipe called for very few ingredients. I am always looking for new ways to use ground lamb and this is great. Thanks for the easy recipe.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You can never go wrong with easy-to-make recipes. With only 2 ingredients, these grilled koftas are so delicious.
Enri Lemoine
I already ordered my double skewers to make these kebabs. I’ll let you know how they turn. Yours looks grilled to perfection! Thanks for the recipe and the inspiration, Gloria.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome. The double prong skewers are perfect for these grilled kofta kebabs….enjoy!
EA Stewart
I love how simple these kofta kebabs are to make. And the cinnamon chili seasoning adds so much flavor. These will be on repeat all summer long!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
We love these grilled lamb koftas too….so gald you enjoyed this delicious bbq recipe as much as we do.
Amy Liu Dong
I just love kebabs, and this recipe looks absolutely delicious. It is grilled to perfection. Loved it! I’ll definitely make this at home!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
So glad you enjoyed these grilled kofta kebabs…2 simple ingredients for delicious results.
Erin
I had never had kofta kebabs before but I’m so glad I tried! Such awesome flavor in these and pretty easy, too. I’m so excited to make these again when we have company!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
These grilled lamb kofta kebabs are always a hit with our guests. Enjoy.
Jessica
Wow, Gloria, I’m amazed that you can get so much flavor with only two essential ingredients. To be honest, kebabs always seemed intimidating, but I’m ready to give it a go with this recipe! Thanks for inspiring me to try something new.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I totally agree. 2 ingredients can really make some delicious dishes. There grilled lamb koftas are a perfect example.
Tracy
These are perfect for a BBQ because they’re not the same old boring burgers. I can’t wait to serve them, such a great recipe. Now we just need the sun to go with them!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Enjoy! These grilled koftas are so easy to make. The perfect bbq dinner.
Savita
Got this delicious recipe for the 4th of July dinner, looks so easy yet flavourful.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Enjoy…these grilled lamb koftas are always a hit at bbq parties.
Jessica
About once a month I try and find a recipe to “Wow” my husband, and surprise him with a new dinner idea. This month it was this one and he was blown away, as was I! Thank you so much for sharing!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
So glad you enjoyed these grilled kofta kebabs. We love them too.