Armenian Kofta Kebab Recipe

This Armenian kofta kebabs recipe is a flavor-packed Middle Eastern dish filled with bold, savory flavors and perfectly grilled. Made with a blend of ground beef and seasoned with aromatic herbs like parsley and mint and dried spices for an elevated meal you can make in 30 minutes or less.

Course Appetizer, BBQ, dinner, Grilling, Main Course

Cuisine Armenian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Keyword Armenian Kofta Kebab recipe, comfort food, grilled, quick, spicy

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Servings Servings

Calories 318kcal

Author Bon Appeteach

Ingredients

1 lb Ground Beef lean (93%) is best
1/2 Yellow Onion grated
1/2 cup Flat Leaf Parsley finely minced
1 tbsp. Tomato Paste
2 tsp Fine Bulgar Wheat or bread crumbs
2 tsp Sea Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp. Aleppo Pepper
2 tsp. Cumin
1/2 tsp. All Spice

Instructions

Preparation:

If using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes before using.

In a food processor, combine the onion and parsley and blend until its a paste.
To a large mixing bowl add the onion and parsley mixture, the ground beef, tomato paste, bulgar wheat, and the spices. Mix by hand until everything is fully combined.
Divide the beef into six to eight equal sized oblong meatballs that are roughly 3 inches long each.
Grab a skewer and pat the meatball around the skewer so it holds together around it, press it flat, and crimp the meat to add ridges, then set them aside on a plate or pan. Repeat this step with each meatball until every skewer is prepared.

Traditional Grilling Method:

Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 400 F. Oil the grates if needed to prevent sticking.
Place each skewer over direct heat across oiled grill grates and close the lid. Allow the kofta kebabs to sear for about 4-5 minutes before flipping. They should easily release from the grill grates when they are ready to be turned.
Flip and continue to cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165 F.

Oven Method:

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the assembled kofta skewers on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (or directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet). Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For additional browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.

Stovetop Method:

Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the kofta (with or without skewers, depending on your pan) for 4-5 minutes per side, turning until browned on all sides and cooked through to 165°F.

Serving Suggestions:

Remove the kofta kebabs from the grill and plate them with pita, tzatziki, salad, or pilaf and enjoy.

Video

Notes

If you're struggling to get the meat to adhere to the skewer, let it rest in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition