Grilled Ground Meat Skewers

Syrian Kufta, also known as kebab or kofta, is a classic Middle Eastern dish featuring skewers of seasoned ground meat grilled until tender and slightly charred. Infused with a vibrant mix of spices and fresh herbs, these skewers are commonly served with sumac onions, lemon wedges, and warm flatbread, making them a staple in Syrian and Levantine cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly flavorful, quick to prepare, and perfect for grilling enthusiasts. Syrian Kufta delivers bold, aromatic notes thanks to the combination of allspice, cinnamon, and paprika. It’s also highly versatile — ideal for family dinners, barbecues, or as part of a mezze spread. The simplicity of the ingredients and the fast cooking time make it both convenient and delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
• small onion, finely grated and squeezed dry
• fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ground allspice
• ground cinnamon
• paprika
• black pepper
• salt
• chili flakes (optional)

For Serving:

• red onion, thinly sliced
• sumac
• chopped parsley
• lemon wedges
• warm flatbread

directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated and squeezed-dry onion, chopped parsley, allspice, cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes if using.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly by hand until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive, which helps it hold shape on the skewers.
3. Divide the meat mixture into 6–8 equal portions. Mold each portion around a flat skewer or shape by hand into long, oval logs.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the kufta skewers for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
6. While the kufta is grilling, toss the sliced red onions with sumac and chopped parsley.
7. Serve the hot kufta with sumac onions, warm flatbread, and lemon wedges for drizzling.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 280 kcal

Variations

• Meat options: Use a blend of beef and lamb for richer flavor, or substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative.
• Stuffed version: Add a thin layer of cheese or nuts inside each skewer for a unique twist.
• Spicier kufta: Incorporate finely chopped chili or increase the chili flakes for added heat.
• Herbaceous variation: Add fresh mint or dill to the mix for a more herbal profile.
• Oven-baked method: Shape into logs and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooked kufta in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked kufta (shaped and wrapped) for up to 2 months. Defrost before grilling.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry the meat.

FAQs

What kind of meat is best for kufta?

A mix of beef and lamb is traditional, but you can use either one individually. Choose meat with some fat for better flavor and moisture.

Can I cook kufta without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan, skillet, or even bake the kufta in the oven with great results.

Do I need skewers for this recipe?

No, you can shape the mixture into logs and cook them directly on a grill or in a pan without skewers.

How do I prevent kufta from falling apart?

Ensure the onion is squeezed dry, and mix the meat until sticky. Chilling the shaped kufta before grilling also helps.

Can I make kufta ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the kufta up to a day ahead and refrigerate. They also freeze well for future use.

What should I serve with kufta?

Serve with flatbread, sumac onions, hummus, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad like tabbouleh or fattoush.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh parsley is preferred for optimal flavor, but in a pinch, use half the amount of dried herbs.

Is kufta spicy?

Kufta is generally mild unless you add chili flakes or hot peppers. It can easily be adjusted to taste.

Can I grill kufta over charcoal?

Yes, grilling over charcoal adds a delicious smoky flavor that enhances the authenticity of the dish.

What is sumac and why is it used?

Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice made from dried berries. It complements the rich flavor of kufta and balances the meatiness.

Conclusion

Syrian Kufta is a timeless dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and cultural richness. Whether you grill it outdoors or cook it in your kitchen, these ground meat skewers are an excellent choice for a quick meal or a festive gathering. Serve them with sumac onions, lemon, and flatbread for an unforgettable taste of traditional Syrian cuisine.

Grilled Ground Meat Skewers

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Syrian Kufta are juicy, spiced ground meat skewers made with beef or lamb, parsley, onions, and aromatic spices — grilled until charred and served with sumac onions, warm flatbread, and lemon wedges.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
• 1 small onion, finely grated and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced (for serving)
• 1 tbsp sumac (for serving)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for serving)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Warm flatbread (for serving)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, parsley, allspice, cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes if using.
2. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined.
3. Divide the mixture into 6–8 portions. Mold each portion onto a flat metal skewer or shape into long sausage-like logs by hand.
4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
5. Grill kufta skewers for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss sliced red onions with sumac and chopped parsley.
7. Serve hot kufta with the sumac onions, warm flatbread, and lemon wedges.

Notes

• Grated onion should be squeezed dry to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
• You can bake the kufta in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using instead of metal skewers.
• Serve with tahini sauce or yogurt for extra flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg