Beef Kofta Kebabs Tzatziki (Printable View)

Grilled spiced beef kofta with refreshing tzatziki, perfect for a flavorful Mediterranean dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Kofta Kebabs

01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 1 small onion, finely grated
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp ground coriander
08 - 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
09 - 0.5 tsp paprika
10 - 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - 0.5 tsp black pepper
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing

→ Tzatziki

14 - 1 cup Greek yogurt
15 - 0.5 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
16 - 1 clove garlic, minced
17 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
18 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
19 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
20 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For Serving (Optional)

21 - Warm pita bread or flatbreads
22 - Sliced red onion
23 - Cherry tomatoes, halved
24 - Fresh parsley or mint leaves
25 - Lemon wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
02 - Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and form each into a long sausage around a skewer, pressing firmly to ensure the meat adheres well.
03 - Lightly brush each kofta with olive oil to promote even grilling and prevent sticking.
04 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the kofta skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly browned and cooked through.
05 - While the koftas cook, blend Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess moisture removed), minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
06 - Plate the hot kofta kebabs alongside the chilled tzatziki sauce. Add optional warm pita bread and fresh garnishes such as sliced onion, cherry tomatoes, herbs, and lemon wedges as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The spice blend hits differently than typical burger-style beef—cinnamon and coriander create layers you won't expect.
  • Tzatziki comes together in five minutes but tastes like you've been perfecting it for years.
  • These cook in 15 minutes, so you can have restaurant-quality kebabs on a weeknight without stress.
02 -
  • Don't squeeze your cucumber for tzatziki haphazardly—really wring it out, or you'll end up with watery sauce that separates.
  • Let the koftas rest for 5 minutes after grilling; they'll hold together better when you plate them and stay juicier inside.
03 -
  • If you're worried about your koftas falling apart on the grill, refrigerate the shaped skewers for 30 minutes before cooking—the cold meat holds together better.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to the beef mixture if you want extra moisture and binding, though this makes them no longer gluten-free.

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