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. 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.
Michelle
So good you’d never believe there were only 2 ingredients
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I know right? These grilled lamb koftas are so easy and delicious.
Kushigalu
These kebabs look fanatsic. I am in love with the flavors here. Thanks for sharing.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome. I hope you give these grilled kofta kebabs a try soon.
Claudia Lamascolo
I have made this several times we love the spice and cinnamon in this and just a little extra heat added it’s one of the best lamb meals ever!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Thanks so much. I am glad you enjoyed these grilled lamb koftas as much as we do.
Tayler Ross
We had these kebabs for dinner last night and they were AMAZING! MY whole family loved them!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Thanks for letting me know. These lamb koftas are a favourite here too.
Kali Alexandria
I was looking for a new kebab recipe and I am so glad I found this one! Thank you!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
If you love lamb, I know you will be thrilled with this koft recipe.
Jill
Love grilled lamb recipes and this is the perfect addition! So simple and so flavorful! Really great on a pita too!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, these lamb koftas are simple and so delicious.
Jessica
These were so simple to prepare and so tasty! I really enjoyed this spice mixture and am thankful to have a trusted recipe for ground lamb now – I have a ton in my freezer.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
So glad you can use all the lamb in your freezer. These lamb koftas are so delicious.
Kayla DiMaggio
These kofta kebabs were so delicious! I loved how easy they were to make!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You can never go wrong with easy recipes, the these grilled kofta kebabs are perfect.
Debra
My first time making these kebabs. Thank you for the clear directions, they came out great. I loved the cinnamon flavor in there.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, the cinnamon chili season in the lamb kofta recipe is so good.
Glenda
I love working with ground lamb and I love simple recipes. This Kofta was delicious! Thank you for sharing the easy recipe!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome. We all need some easy grilling recipes for summer eating fun.
Keri
We made these last night and they were so delicious. Big hit! Thanks for the great recipe.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
So glad you enjoyed these grilled lamb kofta kebabs as much as we do.
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.