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The Recipe · No.223 · Kofta Kebabs

Kofta Kebabs, and where to source it

Kofta Kebabs — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Kofta Kebabs Middle Eastern 5best2buy.com

Kofta is seasoned ground meat that has to bind and hold to the skewer over fire. Knead the meat until it turns tacky and paste-like, then chill it so it grips the skewer instead of dropping off. Grate the onion and drain it first so its moisture does not loosen the mix.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook12 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineMiddle Eastern
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Ground lamb and beef
The base; a fatty lamb-beef blend holds together and stays juicy on the grill.
2 lb
Cumin, coriander, and cinnamon
The warm spice mix of kofta; toast and grind whole for the best aroma.
1 tbsp total
Olive oil
For oiling the skewers and brushing the meat so it does not stick.
2 tbsp
Pita bread
For serving; warm on the grill and wrap the kofta.
4 rounds
Yellow onion
Grated and drained into the meat for moisture and sweetness.
1
Fresh parsley
Finely chopped through the meat for freshness.
1/2 cup
Garlic
Grated into the mix for depth.
4 cloves

Using ground beef? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerGrill
The Method
  1. SeasonMix the meat with grated drained onion, garlic, parsley, spices, and salt.
  2. KneadKnead 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture turns tacky and paste-like so it binds to the skewer.
  3. ChillChill 30 minutes so the fat firms and the meat grips the skewer.
  4. ShapePress the meat around oiled skewers into long ovals, pinching the ends closed.
  5. GrillGrill over high heat 10 to 12 minutes, turning to char all sides, until 160F inside.
The Toolkit

Flat skewers · Grill · Box grater · Mixing bowl · Instant thermometer

Straight Answers
Can you make Kofta Kebabs in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Kofta Kebabs? — Not ideal

You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.

Can you make Kofta Kebabs ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.

Is Kofta Kebabs gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Kofta Kebabs vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.223

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