Kofta (Egyptian Grilled Minced Meat Skewers)
Local name: كفتة
In short: Juicy minced beef and lamb mixed with grated onion, parsley and warm spices, shaped on skewers and grilled until charred at the edges. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 540 kcal
Kofta is a fixture of Egyptian grill houses and weekend barbecues. Minced beef and lamb are kneaded with grated onion, parsley and warm spices until the mixture turns sticky, then shaped onto skewers and cooked over a hot fire. The result is juicy inside with a browned, lightly charred crust, and it is usually served with tahini sauce, grilled tomatoes and salad.
Instructions
- Squeeze the grated onion in a clean towel until very dry. This keeps the mixture from turning wet and sliding off the skewers.
- Knead the meat, onion, parsley, garlic, spices and salt together for 2 to 3 minutes, until sticky and well blended. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Wet your hands and shape the mixture into 8 sausage shapes about 12 cm (5 in) long, pressing each firmly around a flat metal skewer. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grate lightly. Cook the kofta for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until browned and the center reaches 71°C (160°F).
- Grill the tomatoes and onion wedges alongside for the last 5 minutes. Rest the kofta for 3 minutes.
- Whisk the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water and salt until smooth and pourable. Serve the kofta with the grilled vegetables and the tahini sauce.
Tips
- Use meat with about 20 percent fat, because lean mince makes dry kofta. If your meat is lean, work in 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Chill the mixture before shaping so it grips the skewer. No grill? Cook under a very hot broiler for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, or in a cast-iron pan.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between kofta and kebab?
Kofta is made from minced meat mixed with onion, herbs and spices, while kebab in the narrower sense is whole chunks of meat on a skewer. Many Egyptian grill menus offer both on one plate.
Can I make kofta in the oven?
Yes. Bake on a rack set over a tray at 230°C (450°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until the center reaches 71°C (160°F).
Can I freeze uncooked kofta?
Yes. Shape the kofta, freeze them on a tray until solid, then bag them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
How long does it take to make Kofta (Egyptian Grilled Minced Meat Skewers)?
About 35 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kofta (Egyptian Grilled Minced Meat Skewers)?
About 540 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 41 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 540 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 41 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1120 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
