Mediterranean lamb kofta are spiced ground lamb meatballs that are flavorful and juicy when grilled or broiled.
Paired with refreshing tzatziki made from cucumber, yogurt, and garlic, this dish offers a perfect balance of rich and cool flavors.
Great for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining, these kofta skewers cook quickly and showcase classic Mediterranean spices and herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The combination of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon infuses the lamb with traditional Mediterranean flavor.
- Mixing fresh herbs like parsley and mint adds brightness and freshness, which complements the richness of lamb.
- Grilling the kofta gives a smoky char while keeping the interior tender and juicy when cooked to a safe temperature.
- Tzatziki's creamy cucumber yogurt sauce provides a cooling contrast that enhances the fragrant spices of the meatballs.
Mediterranean Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki Sauce
Enjoy a flavorful dish of Mediterranean lamb kofta grilled to juicy perfection, served with a cooling homemade tzatziki sauce that highlights fresh herbs and garlic.
- Prep time
- 20 minutes
- Cook time
- 10 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- Approximately 16 kofta meatballs
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground lamb (680g)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for grilling
- For Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (240ml)
- 1/2 English cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley and mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meat tender.
- Form the Kofta Meatballs Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a tight oval or round meatball shape and place them on a tray. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the tzatziki sauce.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure excess water is squeezed out), minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Grill the Kofta Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the kofta meatballs for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until well browned and cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground lamb.
- Serve Arrange the hot kofta on a serving platter with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired and serve with warm pita bread or a fresh salad.
Helpful Tips
- For best texture, do not overwork the meat mixture or the kofta may become tough.
- Make sure to drain the cucumber well by squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel before adding it to the tzatziki to avoid watery sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Leftover kofta can be eaten cold or reheated gently in a pan or oven.
- If you don't have a grill, the kofta can be cooked under a broiler or in a skillet with a little oil.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover kofta and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat kofta meatballs to at least 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Tzatziki is best served chilled and should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make kofta without a grill?
Yes, you can cook Mediterranean lamb kofta under a broiler or in a skillet on the stovetop. Make sure to cook evenly and thoroughly.
Is lamb kofta spicy?
Kofta is mildly spiced with warm Mediterranean spices. You can add red pepper flakes or chili to increase the spiciness if desired.
How do I keep the kofta from falling apart on the grill?
Make sure your meat mixture is well combined but not overworked, and chill the kofta before grilling to help them hold together. Using an oil-brushed grill also prevents sticking.
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