Izgara Köfte (Turkish Grilled Meatballs)
In short: Turkish grilled meatballs of beef and lamb with grated onion, cumin and parsley, shaped into flat ovals and cooked until juicy with crisp edges. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 545 kcal
Köfte are everywhere in Türkiye, from home kitchens to the small restaurants that serve little else but meatballs, bread and salad. This version uses beef and lamb with grated onion, a little soft bread and cumin, shaped into flat ovals so they cook fast and brown evenly. Chill the mixture before shaping and the patties hold together on the grill. Eat them with rice, grilled peppers and a white bean salad.
Instructions
- Put the beef, lamb, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, cumin, paprika, pepper and salt in a large bowl.
- Knead with your hands for 4 to 5 minutes, until the mixture feels sticky and smooth. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour so the flavors blend and the patties keep their shape.
- Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high, or a heavy grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grate with oil.
- With wet hands, divide the meat into 12 portions of about 75 g (2 2/3 oz). Roll each into a ball, then flatten into an oval about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick and press a few fingertip dents into the top.
- Grill the peppers and tomatoes for 6 to 8 minutes, turning until blistered. Set them aside.
- Cook the köfte for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning only once, until well browned and cooked through to 71°C (160°F).
- Rest the köfte for 3 minutes. Serve hot with the grilled vegetables, the onion salad, and flatbread or rice.
Tips
- Squeeze the grated onion in a clean towel before adding it. Extra moisture makes the meatballs fall apart on the grill.
- Köfte freeze well. Shape the patties, freeze them on a tray, then bag them for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Questions and answers
Why do my köfte fall apart on the grill?
Usually the mixture is too wet or too lean. Squeeze the onion dry, keep the meat at about 20% fat, knead until sticky and chill the mixture for at least an hour before shaping.
What do you serve with Turkish grilled köfte?
Rice pilaf or flatbread, grilled peppers and tomatoes, a white bean salad called piyaz and a glass of ayran are the usual companions.
Can I cook köfte in a skillet or the oven?
Yes. Pan-fry them in a hot skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or bake at 220°C (425°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until they reach 71°C (160°F).
How long does it take to make Izgara Köfte (Turkish Grilled Meatballs)?
About 45 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Izgara Köfte (Turkish Grilled Meatballs)?
About 545 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 40 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 545 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
