Turkish Beef Kofte on the Grill: A BBQ Favourite
Experience the authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine with our tantalizing recipe for grilled beef köfte. These juicy and aromatic skewers feature high-quality ground beef, a harmonious blend of spices including cumin, coriander, and sumac, and an infusion of fresh herbs like mint and parsley. Grilled to perfection, these köfte are ideal for gatherings or as a flavorful weeknight delight. Serve alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of sumac onions to embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Turkey. Give this easy-to-make recipe a try and awaken your taste buds to the magic of Turkish cuisine!
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika hungarian or smoked
- 1 tsp Aleppo pepper (or chili flakes)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp sumac
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil (for brushing)
- skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, Aleppo pepper, cinnamon, dried oregano, turmeric, sumac, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Take a handful of the mixture and mold it around a skewer, shaping it into a cylindrical shape. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used. Leave a small space between each köfte on the skewer.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the köfte skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the köfte is cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Turkish grilled beef köfte skewers can be served with warm pita bread, salad, and your choice of sauces or condiments such as tzatziki, sumac onions, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Enjoy the flavorful and aromatic Turkish grilled beef köfte skewers!
Notes
- Quality Meat: Use high-quality ground beef with a good fat-to-lean ratio (around 80/20) for juicier and more flavorful köfte.
- Soaking Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using. This helps prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Resting Time: Allow the köfte skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful köfte.
- Flavor Variation: Feel free to experiment with the spice combination to suit your taste preferences. Adjust the quantities of spices or add additional herbs to customize the flavor profile.
- Perfect Shape: Wetting your hands with water while shaping the köfte can help prevent the mixture from sticking and make it easier to shape them around the skewers.
- Grill Temperature: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for optimal cooking. This allows the köfte to cook through while developing a nicely charred exterior.
- Doneness Test: To ensure the köfte is cooked to your liking, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of a skewer. It should read around 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the köfte skewers with traditional accompaniments such as warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, sumac onions, fresh salad, and lemon wedges for a complete Turkish experience.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the köfte mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in even more delicious köfte.
- Grilling Alternatives: If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the köfte skewers on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven under the broiler setting.