Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring bold Middle Eastern flavors. This high-protein, gluten-free kafta recipe skips the overnight marinate for a faster prep time while delivering a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 4 stalks green onion, minced
- 1 medium small yellow onion, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Finely chop the parsley and green onions. Grate the yellow onion and squeeze out excess liquid using a kitchen towel, keeping the dry pulp.
- In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef, onion pulp, parsley, green onions, minced garlic, spice mix, and baking soda. Mix gently just until combined; do not overwork the meat.
- Cover the bowl and let the meat rest in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Wet your hands with cold water. Take portions of meat (about 1/4 cup) and roll them into 6-inch long cylinders or patties.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C) and lightly oil the grates.
- Place the kafta on the grill. Do not move for the first 4-5 minutes to allow a char to form. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, flipping again if needed, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef to prevent dryness. Do not squeeze all the moisture out of the grated onion; leave some pulp for juiciness. Wet your hands with cold water when shaping to prevent sticking. Handle the meat gently to avoid tough kafta. If flare-ups occur, move meat to a cooler part of the grill.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers per servin
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Lebanese Kafta, Grilled Meat, Middle Eastern Recipe, Quick Dinner, Gluten-Free, High Protein, Weeknight Meals, BBQ