I love weaving my Armenian heritage into my recipes, and these Beef Kofta Kebabs are no exception. These warm, flavorful kababs were a favorite of mine growing up, and to this day, they remind me of home. Plus, in this recipe, we're pairing them with a delicious homemade tzatziki sauce, which makes for the perfect combination. But don't just take my word for it - make this recipe with me and you'll see just what I'm talking about!
1PoundGround Beef93% lean if possible, but 85% is also okay
¼CupOniongrated
¼CupParsleyfinely chopped
2TablespoonsFresh Mintfinely chopped
2ClovesGarlicgrated or finely minced
1Egg
1TeaspoonCumin
1TeaspoonOregano
½TeaspoonCoriander
1PinchCayenne Pepper
½CupGluten-Free Breadcrumbs
2TablespoonsNeutral Oil of ChoiceI use avocado oil
1TeaspoonSea Salt
½TeaspoonGround Black Pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce
1 ½CupsGreek Yogurt
1English Cucumberpeeled and copped into small cubes
2ClovesGarlicminced
2TablespoonsLemon Juice
3TablespoonsFresh Dillchopped
1 ½TeaspoonsSea Salt
Instructions
Add all of your kofta ingredients to a medium bowl and mix them together by-hand. You can use a spoon if you prefer, but I think mixing by-hand works better!
Next, form your meat into the kofta kebabs. The meat will be sticky, so wet your hands and then pick up small handfuls of meat and form a tube around the skewer, about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. Repeat using all of the meat. You *should* get 12 skewers. But if you don’t that’s ok too! Since we’re working by-hand, the actual amount may vary.
Grab a cast iron skillet and heat it, along with your oil, one the stove over medium-high heat.
Gently place your kofta skewers into the pan.
Let them sit for about 2 minutes (don’t touch them while they’re cooking). Once the 2 minutes is up, turn them every minute or so, until they are brown on all of the sides. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside on a plate.
Next, make the tzatziki sauce. Chop all ingredients and add to a box, mixing well. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Serve your kofta kebabs over some pita bread, with your tzatziki sauce and desired garnishes (more herbs, pickled onions, tomatoes), and enjoy!