If you have a craving for something incredibly flavorful, juicy, and soul-satisfying, you’re going to love this Lebanese Kafta Recipe. This dish strikes the perfect balance between fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and tender ground meat, creating a taste experience that feels both exotic and comforting. Whether you’re gathering friends for a casual dinner or simply want to treat yourself to a quick yet impressive meal, this recipe offers everything you need to bring a taste of Lebanon right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lebanese Kafta Recipe starts with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each component is essential, adding layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these kaftas genuinely memorable. Get ready to work with aromatic parsley, fragrant spices, and quality ground meat that’s bursting with flavor.
- Ground beef or lamb (1 pound): Choose lean meat for the best texture and juiciness.
- Medium onion, finely grated: Grating and squeezing out excess liquid keeps the kafta moist without being soggy.
- Fresh parsley (1 cup, finely chopped): Adds a vibrant, herbaceous freshness that brightens the dish.
- Lebanese 7 spice blend (1 tablespoon): This signature spice mix brings depth and authentic Middle Eastern warmth.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors within the mixture.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle kick that balances the spices.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for grilling or frying to keep the kafta juicy and prevent sticking.
- Optional – Sliced tomatoes: For grilling alongside the kafta, adding a smoky, sweet complement.
How to Make Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Begin by combining your ground meat with the finely grated onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated ensures every bite bursts with flavor. The grated onion adds moisture and sweetness, parsley brings freshness, and the spices give it that signature Lebanese charm that you’ll fall in love with.
Step 2: Shape the Kafta
Once your mixture is ready, divide it into equal portions. Shape each one into an oval patty or mold them around skewers if you want the traditional kebab style. The shaping part is fun and makes your kafta look as good as it tastes—plus, holding the skewers while grilling is a total crowd-pleaser.
Step 3: Cook the Kafta – Grilling Option
If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking, then cook each side for about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they develop a lovely, slightly charred exterior and are fully cooked through inside. There’s something special about that smoky flavor that grilling imparts.
Step 4: Cook the Kafta – Pan-Frying Option
Don’t have a grill? No problem! Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the kafta for about 5 minutes per side. Pan-frying gives a gorgeous golden brown crust and keeps the meat tender by locking in the juices. Either method works beautifully—it’s all about what’s convenient for you.
Step 5: Optional – Grill Tomatoes
For an extra pop of flavor and color, toss some sliced tomatoes on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking the kafta. The tomatoes soften and take on a subtle smoky essence that pairs magically with the savory meat. It’s a simple addition but really elevates the whole dish.
Step 6: Serve Your Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Once cooked, serve your kafta hot, straight from the grill or skillet. They’re fantastic on their own or with sides that complement the spices and herbs.
How to Serve Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of tahini sauce adds a vibrant, flavorful finish. You can also offer a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten every bite, highlighting the herbs and spices in the kafta.
Side Dishes
Kafta pairs beautifully with fluffy rice pilaf, a crisp tabbouleh salad, or warm flatbread. These traditional sides soak up the delicious juices and create a well-rounded meal. Roasted vegetables or a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip can also add nice textural contrast and cooling flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap your kafta in pita or flatbread with fresh veggies to make irresistible wraps or sandwiches perfect for lunch or casual dinners. You can also serve them over a bed of grains, like bulgur or quinoa, topped with a hint of garlic yogurt sauce for a modern twist on this classic Lebanese dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your cooked kafta can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy leftovers without worrying about spoilage. Just keep them well-covered to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, raw shaped kafta freezes beautifully. Just lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, perfect for spontaneous cravings!
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed kafta gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture tender and delicious, preserving the juiciness that makes this Lebanese Kafta Recipe so addictive.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef or lamb?
While traditional Lebanese Kafta Recipe calls for ground beef or lamb, you can experiment with ground chicken or turkey. Just keep in mind the cooking time might be shorter and the texture slightly different.
What is included in Lebanese 7 spice blend?
The 7 spice blend usually includes allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, coriander, nutmeg, and cardamom. It’s the heart of the flavor profile, so sourcing a good-quality blend makes a noticeable difference.
How do I prevent the kafta from falling apart during cooking?
Making sure the grated onion is well squeezed to remove excess moisture and mixing the meat mixture thoroughly helps with binding. Shaping the kafta firmly and evenly also prevents them from breaking on the grill or pan.
Is it necessary to grill the tomatoes?
Grilling tomatoes is optional but highly recommended. The smoky sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory kafta, but you can always serve fresh tomatoes or skip them if preferred.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Lebanese Kafta Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid serving it with wheat-based breads. Opt for gluten-free flatbreads or enjoy with rice and vegetables.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering a classic like this Lebanese Kafta Recipe. It’s a joy to prepare, bursting with bold flavors, and incredibly versatile. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your friends and family—this dish truly brings a bit of Lebanese warmth and richness to any table.
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Lebanese Kafta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Description
Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with seasoned ground beef or lamb mixed with onions, parsley, and Lebanese 7 spice blend. The mixture is shaped into oval patties or skewered kebabs, then grilled or pan-fried to juicy perfection. Often served with grilled tomatoes, rice, salad, or wrapped in flatbread, this dish brings authentic Lebanese flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lebanese 7 spice blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or frying)
- Optional: Sliced tomatoes for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, salt, and black pepper. Combine well until fully incorporated to ensure even seasoning throughout the meat.
- Shape the Kafta: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each into an oval patty or mold around skewers if you prefer kebab style. The shape helps with even cooking and enhances presentation.
- Cook the Kafta – Grilling Option: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the patties or skewers for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and charred on the outside.
- Cook the Kafta – Pan-Frying Option: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kafta and cook for about 5 minutes per side until the exterior is browned and the meat is cooked through.
- Optional – Grill Tomatoes: If desired, place sliced tomatoes on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking the kafta. Grill until they are slightly charred and softened, adding a smoky sweetness to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the kafta hot with your choice of rice, a fresh salad, or wrapped in flatbread. Include grilled tomatoes if prepared for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Ensure excess liquid is squeezed out from the grated onion to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
- Lebanese 7 spice blend typically contains cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, black pepper, and white pepper; you can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- You can substitute lamb entirely with beef or use a mix for different flavor profiles.
- For kebabs, use soaked wooden or metal skewers to mold the meat mixture around for grilling.
- If grilling, keep an eye on the kafta to avoid overcooking; they should remain juicy inside.
- Leftover kafta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
