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Juicy Halal Beef Kofta Skewers Recipe (Easy Grill)

Halal Beef Kofta Skewers with Yogurt Sauce

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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat recommended
  • 1 yellow onion finely grated or very finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (for kofta)
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh mint finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon salt for kofta
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper for kofta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing skewers
  • 0.5 medium cucumber grated and squeezed dry (for yogurt sauce)
  • 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt for yogurt sauce
  • 1 garlic clove minced (for yogurt sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for yogurt sauce
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt for yogurt sauce
  • pinch black pepper for yogurt sauce
  • 12 wooden or metal skewers if using wooden, soak for 30 mins

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: Grate 1/2 a medium cucumber, then squeeze out as much excess water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber with 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until well combined, cover, and refrigerate until serving.
  • Combine Kofta Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef, the finely grated yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  • Mix Thoroughly: Dig in with your hands and mix everything extremely well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture becomes slightly pasty and cohesive. This takes about 5 minutes of firm kneading. This step is crucial for the kofta to hold its shape on the skewer.
  • Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours.
  • Prep Skewers & Grill: If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Shape the Kofta: Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions. Take one portion and firmly mold it around a skewer. Shape it into an elongated cylinder, roughly 4-5 inches long and 1 inch thick. Make sure the meat is tightly packed around the skewer. Repeat with the remaining mixture and skewers.
  • Brush with Olive Oil: Once all your skewers are shaped, lightly brush each one with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps with browning and adds a little extra moisture.
  • Grill: Place the kofta skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Be careful not to overcrowd the grill.
  • Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful kofta. Serve hot with the prepared yogurt sauce, warm pita flatbread, and perhaps some sliced tomatoes or red onion if desired.