Middle Eastern Kofta Skewers

A Middle Eastern grilling favorite.

Kofta is one of the most beloved grilled meat dishes across the Middle East — juicy, warmly spiced, and built around one simple idea: seasoned ground meat shaped onto skewers and cooked until beautifully browned. The exact recipe shifts from country to country, but the heart of it stays the same.

I got to try so many versions of these during our years living abroad, and I love this dish for how versatile it is — swap the meat, change how you serve it, and it's a whole new experience. My favorite way? Over rice with a tangy onion pickle. This simplified version keeps things short and easy, whether you cook them on the grill, in the oven, or even the air fryer.

Why you’ll love this recipe.

• Ready in about 30 minutes

• Beginner friendly with simple ingredients

• Great for grilling or baking

• Delicious with rice, pita bread, or salads

What is Kofta?

Kofta is enjoyed throughout Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, and many other countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Although recipes differ by region, most combine ground meat with herbs, onions, and spices before grilling or baking. In Lebanon, Kofta is commonly served with rice, grilled vegetables, hummus, tahini, or wrapped inside warm pita bread. It’s one of the region’s most popular everyday family meals.

This recipe is inspired by Lebanese style kofta while simplifying the preparation for modern home kitchens. These Kofta Skewers are juicy, tender, and packed with warm spices rather than heat. Garlic, onion, parsley, and cumin create a savory, aromatic flavor that’s complemented by a hint of cinnamon and paprika. The outside develops a lightly charred crust while the inside stays moist and flavorful.

Ingredient spotlight.

‍ Ground beef with a little bit of fat provides enough juiciness while holding together well during cooking.

Onion adds moisture and natural sweetness while helping flavor every bite.

Fresh parsley brightens the meat mixture and balances the warm spices.

Ground cumin gives kofta its earthy, unmistakable Middle Eastern flavor.

Cinnamon adds the subtle warmth found in many traditional Lebanese meat dishes. ‍

Easy ingredient swaps.

• Instead of beef you can use ground lamb or a mix of both. For a leaner option try ground turkey or chicken.

• Cilantro or mint works well instead of parsley.

• If you already have Lebanese 7 Spice in your pantry, replace the cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and black pepper with 1 tablespoon of 7 Spice for an even more authentic flavor.

Beginner tips for success.

Why chill the kofta before cooking?

After shaping the meat onto skewers, chilling them for about 20 minutes helps the proteins firm up. This allows the kofta to hold their shape better during grilling or baking and reduces the chance of them falling apart. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference, especially for beginners.

What to serve with this Middle Eastern Kofta Skewers.

• Lebanese rice

• Batata Harra (Lebanese Lemon Garlic Potatoes)

• Hummus

• Tzatziki

• Tahini sauce

• Cucumber tomato salad

• Fattoush

• Warm pita bread

• Pickled vegetables

Make it a complete meal.

Main: Easy Middle Eastern Kofta Skewers

Side: Lebanese Rice Pilaf

Vegetable: Fattoush

Sauce: Tahini Sauce

Bread: Warm Pita bread

Dessert: Fresh watermelon or grapes

Yield: 4 servings

Author: La Flaca

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Easy Middle Eastern Kofta Skewers

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 15 MinChill time (optional but recommended): 20 MinTotal time: 50 Min

These Easy Middle Eastern Kofta Skewers are made with seasoned ground beef, garlic, onion, and warm spices, then grilled or baked until juicy and flavorful. A beginner friendly recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, very finely diced or grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your grill to medium high heat, or your oven to 425°F (220°C)
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the kofta dense.
4. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion around a skewer, pressing gently to form a long sausage shape about 1 inch thick. Place the skewers on a tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes if time allows.
5. Lightly brush the kofta with olive oil.
6. To Grill: Cook for 10-12 minutes turning every few minutes, until browned and cooked through.
7. To Bake: Arrange the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. For extra color, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
8. Let the kofta rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides and sauces.

Notes

• Don't over-mix the meat or the kofta can become tough.
• Finely chopping or grating the onion helps it blend into the meat mixture and keeps the skewers from breaking apart.
• Chilling the shaped kofta before cooking improves their stability, especially on the grill.

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