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Egyptian Kofta Kebabs dish

Egyptian Kofta Kebabs

5 from 2 votes
These Egyptian kofta kebabs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh herbs and warm spices. Made with ground beef and simple ingredients, they’re baked to perfection with a smoky, charred exterior and tender interior. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this authentic recipe delivers bold Middle Eastern flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rest/Marinating Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Egyptian, Middle Eastern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb ground beef - 80/20 for best flavor
  • 2 medium onions - finely grated or blended into a pulp
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley - finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 package Kofta seasoning - recommend SPYSI or Maggi brand
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley - chopped ( optional for serving)

Method
 

Prepare the Mixture
  1. Squeeze or press with a spoon the onion pulp through a fine-mesh strainer over a small bowl to extract the onion juice.
    press with a spoon the onion pulp through a fine-mesh strainer
  2. Set aside the onion juice for later use.
    onion juice in a bowl
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, dry onion pulp, parsley, salt, pepper, and kofta seasoning.
    ground beef, onion pulp, parsley and spices in a bowl
  4. Mix well until fully combined.
    mixing with spoon
  5. Cover and let it rest/marinate in the fridge for 15 min to 2 hours ( preferably overnight for best flavor).
    Seasoned ground beef in a bowl
Shape the Kofta
  1. Add baking powder to the mixture and knead for 2 minutes.
    baking powder sprinkled on top of seasoned ground beef
  2. Form into oval sausage-shaped pieces.
    kofta log
  3. Insert a rounded handle of a wooden spoon into the center of the meat log.
    kofta log
  4. Squeeze the meat gently around the handle, stretching it into a long, thin cylinder (roughly 3 inches long).
  5. Carefully slide the kofta off the handle. (This will create a hollow center to help the kebab cook through quickly).
    shaping kofta kebabs
  6. Place them in a non-stick baking pan ( 1/2 inch apart from each other) and brush them with onion juice.
    brushing kofta kebabs with onion juice
Cook
  1. 1) Grill over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally
    2) OR pan-fry in a skillet with 2 tbsp olive oil until browned and cooked through
    3) OR bake in the oven at 400 F (200 C) for 25-35 minutes, flip them over after 20 minutes.
    Egyptian Kofta Kebabs logs in a baking pan
  2. Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
    Egyptian kofta Kebabs
  3. Serve hot on a bed of fresh parsley.
    Egyptian kofta Kebabs on a bed of fresh parsley served with tahini sauce

Video