Lebanese Kafta Kebabs are one of the most iconic and delicious dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine. Juicy, flavorful, and packed with aromatic spices, these kebabs are a perfect blend of simplicity and depth. If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants achieve that tender, juicy texture with bold, savory taste—this recipe is your answer. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a stovetop grill pan, these kafta kebabs are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

What Makes Lebanese Kafta Kebabs So Special?

Kafta kebabs are more than just grilled meat on a skewer. They’re a cultural symbol of comfort food in Lebanon, often served during gatherings, celebrations, and casual family dinners. The key to their incredible flavor lies in the balance of spices, fresh herbs, and high-quality ground meat. The mixture is simple but powerful—each ingredient enhances the next, creating a flavor profile that is smoky, herbaceous, and slightly tangy.

Ingredients You Need (Simple + Authentic)

Here’s the ingredient list that makes these kebabs taste like they were cooked by a Lebanese grandmother:

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (preferably 20% fat)
1 small onion, grated
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for deeper flavor)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Why These Ingredients Work

Ground beef with fat keeps the kebabs juicy and prevents them from drying out.
Grated onion adds moisture and natural sweetness.
Fresh parsley and mint give that authentic Middle Eastern freshness.
Spices create a warm, aromatic, and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled char.
Lemon juice adds brightness and prevents the meat from tasting heavy.

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Prepare the onion and herbs
Grate the onion using a fine grater. Squeeze out excess liquid to avoid soggy kebabs. Finely chop parsley and mint.
Mix the ground beef
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, parsley, mint, spices, tomato paste, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix until fully combined, but avoid over-mixing to prevent dense kebabs.
Rest the mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and makes the mixture easier to shape.
Shape the kebabs
Divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long cylinder around a skewer, pressing firmly to secure.
Preheat your grill or pan
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil.
Grill the kebabs
Cook each side for 3–4 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through. Rotate for even grilling. Total cook time should be about 10–12 minutes.
Rest and serve
Let the kebabs rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve hot with pita bread, tahini sauce, and fresh salad.

Tips for Juicy, Restaurant-Quality Kafta Kebabs

Use meat with at least 20% fat. Lean meat dries out quickly.
Keep the mixture cold. Cold meat binds better and forms smoother kebabs.
Avoid over-mixing. Mix just enough to combine ingredients.
Press firmly around the skewer. This prevents the meat from falling apart while grilling.
Rest before serving. It keeps the juices locked in.

Variations You Can Try

1. Chicken Kafta
Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey. Add a touch of yogurt to keep it moist.

2. Spicy Kafta
Add 1 tsp harissa paste or extra cayenne for heat.

3. Kafta with Pine Nuts
Add toasted pine nuts for crunch and extra richness.

4. Kafta with Bulgur
Mix in 2 tbsp fine bulgur for texture and authenticity.

Serving Suggestions

These kebabs pair perfectly with:

Warm pita bread
Hummus
Tahini sauce
Pickled vegetables
Fresh tomato and cucumber salad
Lebanese rice (or plain basmati rice)

Fun Facts About Kafta

Kafta is a traditional Lebanese dish that dates back centuries.
The word “kafta” means “ground meat” in Arabic.
It’s popular across the Middle East and can be found in many variations, including baked versions, meatball forms, and stuffed versions.

Why This Recipe Works for Beginners

This recipe is beginner-friendly because it uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps. There’s no complicated technique, and the results are impressive every time. Even if you’ve never grilled before, you can master this dish in one try.

How to Store and Reheat

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked kebabs for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Final Notes

If you love bold flavors and juicy grilled meat, Juicy Lebanese Kafta Kebabs are the perfect recipe to add to your cooking rotation. They’re easy, authentic, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or craving a simple weeknight meal, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.