Kafta BBQ

Kafta BBQ is a classic Middle Eastern dish made with spiced ground beef, fresh herbs, and aromatics, grilled to perfection on skewers. Juicy, flavorful, and simple to prepare, these kafta skewers are perfect for cookouts, mezze platters, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, grated
½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
6 wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
Prep the Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.Make the Kafta Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, chopped parsley, cayenne pepper, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until evenly combined.Shape the Kafta
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Mold each portion around the lower half of a skewer, forming a long, log-shaped cylinder about 1 inch thick and 6 inches long.Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kafta is browned on the outside and cooked through with no pink inside.Serve
Serve hot with flatbread, fresh salad, tahini sauce, or a side of rice.
- Pro Tip
For even juicier kafta, chill the skewers in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before grilling—this helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
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