The Juiciest Lamb Kofte Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Succulent and aromatic, these spiced lamb kofte dance with Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to vibrant street markets.

Middle Eastern cuisine offers incredible depth in this lamb kofte recipe that blends traditional spices with tender ground meat.

Each bite promises a burst of warmth and complexity, combining cumin, mint, and garlic into perfectly seasoned morsels.

The technique balances rustic charm with elegant simplicity, making these kofte accessible for home cooks seeking authentic tastes.

Grilled or baked, these meat parcels provide a delightful centerpiece for any gathering.

Serve alongside warm pita, crisp salad, and tangy yogurt sauce to complete this irresistible culinary experience.

Prepare to savor every delectable moment of this classic dish.

Why Lamb Kofte Is So Flavorful and Juicy

• Maximize Leftovers: Transform boring leftover chili into a mouthwatering, exciting snack that brings new life to yesterday's meal, making meal planning a breeze.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or unexpected guests, these stuffed dough balls deliver maximum flavor with minimal preparation effort.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by switching chili types, cheese varieties, or spice levels to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• No-Fuss Cooking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from kitchen beginners to seasoned chefs.

What You Need for Lamb Kofte Night

• Ground Lamb: A flavorful and tender meat that forms the core of this traditional Middle Eastern dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: These ingredients help bind the kofte together and keep the meat moist during cooking.
• Onion, Baking Soda: Help tenderize the meat and add additional moisture and flavor.

• Lemon Juice, Spices, Herbs: Provide a bright, zesty taste and aromatic depth to the lamb kofte.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, charred exterior when brushed on the kofte before baking.

• Couscous, Tabbouleh, Minted Yogurt Sauce, Tzatziki Sauce: Classic Mediterranean side dishes that complement the lamb kofte's rich flavors.

Shaping and Grilling Lamb Kofte at Home

Step 1: Mix Flavorful Lamb Blend

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in ground lamb, grated onion, cracked egg, soft breadcrumbs, aromatic spices, fresh chopped herbs, zesty lemon juice, and a pinch of baking soda. Thoroughly combine all ingredients until they meld together beautifully.

Cover the mixture and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to dance and develop.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Station

Crank up your oven to a blazing 450F (230C).

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, creating a perfect cooking surface for your lamb delights.

Step 3: Craft Tender Meat Parcels

Scoop out approximately two tablespoons of the lamb mixture for each kofte.

Gently shape the portions into elegant oval shapes, carefully sliding them onto skewers. This technique ensures even cooking and beautiful presentation.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Arrange the skewered kofte on the prepared baking sheet. Lovingly brush each piece with olive oil to enhance browning.

Slide into the hot oven and bake for about 10 minutes. For a spectacular finish, switch to broil and char the exterior for 1-2 minutes.

Confirm doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160F.

Step 5: Create Delicious Plate

Serve these succulent lamb kofte atop fluffy couscous.

Accompany with vibrant tabbouleh and a cool, creamy minted yogurt sauce or tangy tzatziki. Your culinary masterpiece is ready to delight taste buds and impress dinner guests.

Tips to Nail Juicy Lamb Kofte Patties

• Refrigerate the meat mixture for at least an hour to allow spices to meld and intensify the taste.
• Wet your hands with water to prevent the lamb mixture from sticking while forming oval shapes on skewers.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure lamb reaches 160F for safe and perfectly cooked kofte.
• Brush olive oil generously before baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevent dryness.
• Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.

Spices and Mix-Ins for Lamb Kofte Recipes

• Beef Kofte Swap: Replace ground lamb with lean ground beef for a familiar alternative, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking method.
• Vegetarian Kofte: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentils mixed with mushrooms to create a meat-free version with similar texture and spices.
• Mediterranean Chicken Kofte: Substitute ground lamb with ground chicken for a lighter protein option, keeping the traditional Middle Eastern seasonings and preparation technique.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the same flavorful kofte recipe.

What To Serve With Lamb Kofte Plates

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich lamb's fatty texture, providing a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate with bright, citrusy notes.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Surround kofte with hummus, olives, grilled vegetables, and warm pita bread to enhance the Middle Eastern flavors and provide a diverse, colorful dining experience.
• Match with Herb-Infused Beverage: Brew a cool mint tea or cucumber-mint lemonade to complement the lamb's herbal spices and provide a cooling accompaniment that echoes the dish's aromatic profile.

How to Keep Lamb Kofte Fresh and Juicy

• Store leftover kofte in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat to 350F. Place kofte on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Quick option for single servings. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, rotating halfway. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What are kofte?

Kofte are traditional Middle Eastern meatballs made from ground meat (typically lamb or beef), mixed with spices, herbs, and other ingredients, then shaped and grilled or baked.

• Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?

Yes, you can substitute ground lamb with ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but the cooking method remains the same.

• How do I know the kofte are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F. This ensures the meat is safe to eat and cooked through.

• Is it necessary to chill the mixture before forming kofte?

Chilling helps the ingredients bind together and enhances the flavor. While not mandatory, it’s recommended to chill for at least an hour or overnight for best results.

Lamb Kofte Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean lamb kofte delivers succulent spices and herbal notes in a delightful street food experience. Fragrant meat skewers bring grilled perfection to your plate, promising a delicious journey through Turkish culinary traditions you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground lamb

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 4 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh mint
• 1/2 medium onion, grated or finely minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper

Binding and Moisture:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Blend ground lamb with grated onion, egg, breadcrumbs, aromatic spices, fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, and baking soda in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 60 minutes to enhance flavor depth.
2. Heat the oven to a scorching 450F (230C) and prepare a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
3. Utilize a medium cookie scoop to portion the lamb mixture, crafting elongated oval shapes and carefully threading them onto skewers.
4. Position the skewered kofte onto the prepared baking sheet, generously brushing with olive oil for a golden, crisp exterior.
5. Roast in the oven for approximately 10 minutes, then activate the broiler to char the surface for an additional 1-2 minutes. Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 160F.
6. Transfer the sizzling lamb kofte atop a bed of fluffy couscous, accompanied by vibrant tabbouleh and a cooling minted yogurt or tzatziki sauce.

Notes

• Chill the mixture thoroughly to enhance the flavor and help the kofte hold their shape during cooking.
• Use lean ground lamb for a healthier version, or substitute with ground beef or turkey for alternative protein options.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning during broiling.
• For a gluten-free adaptation, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the binding texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 415 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg