The Recipe · No.971 · Lamb Kofta

Lamb Kofta, and where to source it

Lamb Kofta — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Lamb Kofta Middle Eastern 5best2buy.com

Do not use lean lamb. Kofta needs roughly 20 percent fat to stay juicy over live fire, and the mix must be kneaded until slightly tacky so it grips the skewer instead of sliding off into the coals.

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

Prep20 min
Cook12 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineMiddle Eastern
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Ground lamb
Ask for shoulder, around 20 percent fat. Lean lamb makes dry, crumbly kofta.
1.5 lb
Source it →
Yellow onion
Grated and squeezed dry — its juice would loosen the mix and cause sliding.
1 small
Source it →
Fresh mint and parsley
Chopped fine. Mint is the signature; do not skip it for dried.
1/2 cup total
Local / market
Garlic
Minced to a paste so it disperses evenly through the meat.
3 cloves
Source it →
Ground cumin and coriander
The warm backbone. Toast whole and grind if you can.
1 tsp each
Local / market
Ground cinnamon and allspice
A pinch each — the quiet warmth that reads as Levantine.
1/4 tsp each
Local / market
Salt
Season assertively; ground meat needs more than you think.
1.5 tsp
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerGrill
The Method
  1. Mix and kneadCombine lamb, grated onion, herbs, garlic, spices and salt. Knead 2 minutes until tacky and cohesive.
  2. ChillRest the mix in the fridge 30 minutes so it firms and holds a skewer.
  3. ShapeMold portions around flat metal skewers into long ovals, pressing firmly.
  4. Grill hotGrill over high heat, turning a quarter every couple minutes, until charred and just cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  5. Rest and serveRest 5 minutes off the heat; serve with flatbread, yogurt and sumac onions.
The Toolkit

Flat skewers · Box grater · Charcoal grill

Straight Answers
Can you make Lamb Kofta 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 Lamb Kofta? — 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 Lamb Kofta ahead of time? — Yes

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

Is Lamb Kofta gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Lamb Kofta vegan? — No

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

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.971