If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and invites you to enjoy the best of Mediterranean-inspired cooking, this Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Sides Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy, aromatic kebabs perfectly balanced with warm spices mingle beautifully with cooling tzatziki and classic Greek sides to create a feast that is both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively weekend gathering, these kofta kebabs will steal the spotlight and have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays an essential role in transforming basic ground meat into a deliciously spiced masterpiece. From fresh herbs that bring brightness, to warms spices that add complexity, every component enhances the texture, color, and flavor of this dish.
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground lamb: The rich, juicy base for your kofta with a perfect blend of fat for tenderness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or shredded: Adds sweetness and moisture that keeps the kebabs juicy.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of savory depth and warmth.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds freshness and a vibrant green color.
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped: Offers a subtle cooling contrast to the warm spices.
- 1 tablespoon sumac: A lemony spice that brightens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors balanced in the mixture.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Warm and aromatic, it gives a cozy undertone.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Earthy and nutty, cumin deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky richness with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Just a touch, for that unmistakable Middle Eastern flair.
- Tzatziki sauce: Cool and creamy, perfect for balancing the spices.
- Hummus: A smooth, nutty dip that complements every element.
- Greek salad: Fresh veggies that add crunch and brightness.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and tangy, it adds an indulgent finishing touch.
- Warm pita bread: Ideal for wrapping or scooping up all those delicious flavors.
How to Make Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Sides Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meat and Spices
Start by combining the ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onions, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and mint. Then add your warm spices — sumac, pepper, salt, allspice, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Mixing everything by hand ensures the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the meat, creating a beautiful harmony of taste in every bite.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Cover your spiced meat with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the spices and herbs to meld together and deepens the flavors. If you have time, letting it sit overnight enhances the taste even further and makes shaping the kebabs much easier.
Step 3: Shape the Kofta Kebabs
With damp hands to prevent sticking, take about half a cup of the meat mixture and form it into a cylinder shape around each skewer. This traditional shape ensures even cooking and the perfect texture — crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 4: Prepare Your Cooking Method
You have two great options here: grilling or using an air fryer. For grilling, oil the grill grates and heat to medium-high. Alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Both methods deliver deliciously charred kebabs, though the grill gives a smoky flavor while the air fryer offers convenience and crispiness.
Step 5: Cook the Kofta Kebabs
If grilling, place the kebabs on the hot grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are evenly browned on all sides. For the air fryer, arrange a few kebabs in the basket without overcrowding, then air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. Both methods should result in moist, flavorful kebabs with a wonderful crust.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, serve the hot kofta kebabs on warm pita bread with generous dollops of creamy tzatziki sauce, smooth hummus, a fresh Greek salad, and crumbled feta cheese that adds a delightful salty tang. This combination makes every bite a celebration of Mediterranean flavors.
How to Serve Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Sides Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and mint sprinkled on top add a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color. A squeeze of lemon juice over the kebabs just before serving brightens the spices wonderfully. Don’t forget to drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil to add gloss and richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Greek sides. A crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onions lends freshness and crunch, while creamy hummus provides a rich, nutty contrast. Warm pita bread rounds out the meal, perfect for wrapping the kebabs or mopping up any delicious sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these kebabs into mini sliders by serving them in small pita pockets with loads of tzatziki and sliced onions. Or, create a vibrant platter with all the components laid out buffet-style for an informal gathering. You can also serve the kebabs atop a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover kofta kebabs can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a delicious second round of meals — perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, uncooked shaped kofta kebabs can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until hot all the way through. You can also pop them in the air fryer for a crisp exterior, or microwave for a quick fix — though microwaving may soften the outer crust.
FAQs
Can I use only beef or only lamb for this kofta recipe?
Absolutely! While a blend of beef and lamb adds complexity, using just one type of meat works great too. Lamb will yield a richer, more traditional flavor, whereas beef is milder and slightly leaner.
What if I don’t have sumac? Can I substitute it?
If you don’t have sumac on hand, a little lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice can mimic its bright, tangy quality. However, sumac has a unique flavor that’s worth picking up for authentic taste.
Is it necessary to soak the skewers before using?
For wooden skewers, yes, soaking them in water for 30 minutes before threading helps prevent them from burning during cooking. Metal skewers don’t need soaking and can be used straight away.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! The kofta kebabs themselves are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your sides, like pita bread, are gluten-free alternatives or enjoy the kebabs wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh, gluten-free option.
How spicy are these kebabs? Can I adjust the heat?
These kofta kebabs have warm spice without overwhelming heat, making them accessible to most palates. You can easily adjust the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes to increase spiciness if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Sides Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — full of flavor, texture, and tradition. Simple ingredients come together to create something truly special that anyone can enjoy. Give it a try for your next meal and watch how it brings smiles and happy bellies all around the table!
Print
Spiced Beef and Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Sides Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Yield: 12 kebabs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Kofta Recipe features flavorful Middle Eastern-style ground meat kebabs infused with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. Perfectly grilled and finished in the air fryer for a juicy and tender texture, these koftas are served with traditional accompaniments like tzatziki sauce, hummus, Greek salad, crumbled feta cheese, and warm pita bread for an authentic and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or shredded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
Spices
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
To Serve
- Tzatziki sauce
- Hummus
- Greek salad
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Warm pita bread
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, sumac, black pepper, salt, allspice, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Shape Koftas: With damp hands, take about ½ cup of the kofta mixture and form it into a cylinder shape around a skewer. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture to make a total of 12 kebabs.
- Prepare the Grill: Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill Koftas: Place the kofta kebabs on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Preheat Air Fryer: While grilling, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) to finish cooking the koftas.
- Air Fry Koftas: Place a few kebabs into the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, shaking or turning the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and a nicely browned exterior.
- Serve: Serve the hot kofta kebabs on warm pita bread accompanied by tzatziki sauce, hummus, Greek salad, and crumbled feta cheese for a complete and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using fresh herbs like parsley and mint enhances the flavor and freshness of the kofta.
- Refrigerating the mixture helps it bind and makes shaping easier.
- Grilling followed by air frying ensures a perfectly cooked kofta with a crisp exterior and juicy interior.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, continue grilling until fully cooked through.
- Adjust the amount of spices to your preference for heat and flavor intensity.
- Can be served with different dips or salads based on individual taste.
