These lamb kofta kebabs are a flavorful Middle Eastern classic featuring spiced ground lamb shaped onto skewers and grilled until juicy and tender.
Served with a creamy tahini drizzle, they make an easy and impressive main dish for any weeknight or gathering.
This recipe balances aromatic spices with fresh herbs, complemented by the tahini sauce’s nutty, tangy flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Using ground lamb blended with fragrant spices and parsley ensures tender, juicy kebabs full of robust taste.
- Grilling or broiling quickly cooks the lamb to a safe internal temperature while developing flavorful char marks.
- The tahini sauce adds a creamy texture and a nutty, citrusy contrast that brightens the dish.
- Shaping the kofta around skewers makes them easy to handle on the grill and perfect for serving as individual portions.
Middle Eastern Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Creamy Tahini Drizzle
Juicy spiced ground lamb kofta kebabs grilled to perfection and served with a smooth, tangy tahini sauce for a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 10 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 12 kebabs
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
- For the tahini sauce:
- 1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons water (plus more to thin)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, allspice, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the Kebabs Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. With wet hands, mold each portion around a skewer into an elongated oval shape about 4 inches long, ensuring the meat is compact and evenly shaped.
- Preheat Grill or Broiler Heat a grill or broiler to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 204°C). If using a grill, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Kofta Kebabs Place the kebabs on the grill or under the broiler. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground lamb, ensuring they are cooked through and juicy with a nice char.
- Make the Tahini Sauce While the kebabs cook, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Add more water as needed to reach desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve Remove the kebabs from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve warm kebabs drizzled with tahini sauce alongside fresh vegetables, pita bread, or rice.
Helpful Tips
- Soaking wooden skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning.
- Use fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice in the tahini sauce for the best flavor.
- Cook ground lamb to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
- If you don’t have a grill or broiler, these can be pan-fried on medium-high heat with a little oil, turning carefully until cooked through.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover cooked kofta kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
Tahini sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; stir well before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lamb kofta kebabs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture and shape the kebabs a few hours ahead, keeping them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Can I substitute beef for lamb in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be used instead of lamb for a milder flavor, using the same spices and cooking method.
Is tahini sauce gluten-free?
Yes, tahini paste and this simple tahini sauce are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
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