Kafta Kabob Recipe – Lebanese Special
This kafta kabob, a beloved Lebanese grilled classic, features spiced ground beef (or lamb), blended with finely chopped onions, parsley, and signature Middle Eastern spices like allspice, cinnamon, and sumac. Molded onto skewers and grilled until succulent, these spiced meat skewers deliver smoky, flavorful bites—perfect with fresh pita, rice, or mezze accompaniments.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time12 min
- Total Time27 min
Kafta Kabob Ingredients:
- 1 lb of ground beef (10-15% fat)
- 1 large onions- halved
- 1 parsley bunch- stems removed (about 1.5-2 cups parsley leaves)
- 1 teaspoon ground all Spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
How to Make Kafta Kabob
Begin by soaking 8 wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Using a food processor, finely mince the parsley, onion, and salt.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, spices, and the minced onion and parsley mixture. Mix thoroughly by hand until well incorporated.
Take a small handful of the mixture and mold it around each wooden skewer. Repeat this step for the remaining mixture.
Preheat the grill to 350°F.
Spray the grill with grilling or cooking spray, then place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through.
Serve immediately with hummus on the side for a delicious, low-carb meal!
Recipe Notes:
Meat Selection: Choose ground beef or beef-lamb mix with 85–15% fat for moist, flavorful kabobs.
Mixture Texture: Pulse or finely chop onions and parsley so they integrate well; the meat blend should be tender but binding.
Shaping Technique: Wet your hands lightly when molding onto skewers to prevent sticking, and shape firmly for even grilling.
Cooking Method: Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until charred on the outside with a juicy center; you can also pan-fry or broil if needed.
Serving Tips: Serve hot, with pita bread, tahini or garlic sauce (toum), and sides like rice pilaf or fattoush salad to complete the meal.
