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Middle Eastern Dinner Featured

Lebanese Kafta Kebabs

Classic Lebanese recipe for flavorful and tender kafta kebabs packed with herbs and warm spices, perfect for grilling.

Medium 20 min prep 10 min cook 30 min total 4 servings 4.9/10

Ready in

30 minutes

Makes 4 servings

About This Recipe

Classic Lebanese recipe for flavorful and tender kafta kebabs packed with herbs and warm spices, perfect for grilling.

Traditional Lebanese Kafta Kebabs seasoned with aromatic spices, onion, and fresh parsley.

Ratings

Expert Rating

4.9

95% confidence

Final Score

4.9

90% confidence

Category Scores

9.7

Taste

9.0

Difficulty

9.2

Presentation

8.5

Nutrition

9.5

Value

9.5

Instructions

9.2

Ingredients

9.0

Time Accuracy

9.5

Would Make Again

9.3

Overall

Cooking Timeline

Prep 20 min

Cook 10 min

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3 30 min
Step 4
Step 5 10 min

Ingredients

Servings

Units

Meat Mixture

1 lb ground beef or lamb (80/20 fat ratio recommended)
1 medium onion (finely grated and strained)
1/2 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Seasoning

1 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

Grill or grill pan Medium-high heat
Skewers Metal or soaked wooden skewers
Large mixing bowl

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
2

Knead the mixture thoroughly with your hands for 3 to 5 minutes until the meat becomes sticky and well-integrated.
3

Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
30 min
4

Divide the meat into equal portions and mold them firmly around metal or soaked wooden skewers into sausage shapes.
5

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and cooked through.
10 min

Nutrition

Calories 310

Protein 22g

Carbs 4g

Fat 23g

Fiber 1g

Sugar 1g

Sodium 580g

Serving Size 2 skewers

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

An exceptionally flavorful, authentic Middle Eastern kebab recipe that is juicy and aromatic.

Pros

Rich authentic flavor
Quick cooking time
Great for outdoor grilling

Cons

Requires chilling time for best results

Overview

Traditional Lebanese Kafta Kebabs seasoned with aromatic spices, onion, and fresh parsley.

AI Insights

Summary

Classic Lebanese recipe for flavorful and tender kafta kebabs packed with herbs and warm spices, perfect for grilling.

Tips

Make sure your meat has enough fat (like 80/20) so the kebabs stay juicy
Wet your hands with water or oil when shaping the meat onto skewers to prevent sticking
Serve alongside garlic sauce (toum), hummus, and warm pita bread

Substitutions

Ground beef → Ground lamb or a 50/50 mix of beef and lamb
Fresh parsley → Equal parts parsley and fresh mint

Storage

Store leftover cooked kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pairing

Warm pita bread and garlic sauce (toum) Tabbouleh or fatteh salad

AI Cooking Assistant

Ask questions about this recipe — substitutions, timing, or technique.

Open Cooking Assistant

FAQ

Why do I need to strain the grated onion?

Removing excess liquid prevents the kebab mixture from becoming too wet and falling apart on the skewers.

Can I cook these in an oven or air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or air fry them at 390°F for 10-12 minutes.

About the Author

FindEdition Kitchen

Recipe tested and reviewed by the FindEdition culinary team.

Specialty: Middle Eastern cuisine

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For higher ratings, consider Authentic Arabian Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Toum (9.7/10). A quicker option is Classic American Smash Burger with Secret Sauce.