Beef Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

A Mediterranean Feast in Thirty Minutes

Elevate your weeknight dinner rotation with these succulent Beef Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce. Perfectly spiced and incredibly juicy, these skewers offer a vibrant burst of Middle Eastern flavor that will transport your taste buds. Whether you are hosting a casual backyard gathering or simply looking for a protein-packed meal for busy weeknights, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and a quick cook time, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Get ready to experience the perfect marriage of charred, savory beef and cooling, creamy garlic yogurt. It is healthy, satisfying, and bound to become a staple in your home.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1/2 cup finely minced yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, grated into a paste
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Optional: Pita bread and cucumber slices for serving

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)
• Grill pan or heavy-duty skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowl for sauce

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate while you cook the beef to let the flavors meld. 🥣
2. Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, parsley, and spices. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overwork the meat to keep it tender.
3. Shape the Kofta: Take a handful of the beef mixture and mold it into a long, sausage-like shape around your prepared wooden skewer. Repeat until all meat is used.
4. Sear to Perfection: Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Place the skewers in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned and cooked through. 🔥
5. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the skewers on a plate, drizzle generously with your chilled garlic yogurt sauce, and serve immediately with warm pita.

💡 Pro Tips Section

• Storage: Keep leftover kofta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to regain the outer crust.
• Texture Tip: If the meat feels too loose, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to the mix to help it hold its shape on the skewers.
• Even Cooking: Ensure your onion is finely minced or even grated to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t create gaps in your meat skewers.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture if you prefer a bit of heat.
• Herb Swap: Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or mint for a brighter, more herbal profile in the yogurt sauce.

FAQ

Can I bake these instead of pan-searing? Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through.

Can I use ground turkey? Absolutely! It is an excellent lean alternative if you are looking to swap the beef.

Beef Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

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• Author: Samantha Jones
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these succulent Beef Kofta skewers, infused with aromatic Middle Eastern spices. Perfectly charred and incredibly juicy, they are paired with a cooling, creamy garlic yogurt sauce. This healthy, protein-packed meal is easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy families or casual gatherings. It is a vibrant, flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1/2 cup finely minced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, grated into a paste
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Optional: Pita bread and cucumber slices for serving

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, parsley, and spices. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
Take a handful of the beef mixture and mold it into a long, sausage-like shape around a soaked wooden skewer.
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the skewers in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned and cooked through.
Arrange the skewers on a plate, drizzle generously with the chilled garlic yogurt sauce, and serve immediately with warm pita.

Notes

Ensure wooden skewers are soaked in water for at least 20 minutes before use to prevent burning. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 15
• Category: Recipes
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg