Description
Sizzling Middle Eastern ground beef kebabs bring explosive flavors straight from Lebanon’s culinary traditions. Succulent spices and grilled perfection promise a delightful meal that you can savor with warm pita and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
Herbs and Spices:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Aromatics and Oil:
- 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking Tools:
- Metal skewers
- Wooden skewers (if using, soak in water before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture by gently combining ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil and fold ingredients together carefully to maintain meat’s tender texture, avoiding excessive compression.
- Portion the seasoned meat mixture into equal segments, then methodically shape each portion into elongated, uniform cylinders around metal or wooden skewers. Apply gentle pressure to ensure the meat adheres securely to the skewer without compacting too densely.
- Preheat the outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking surface with subtle char potential. Lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking and promote beautiful grill marks.
- Carefully position the prepared kebabs on the heated grill, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior. Rotate periodically to ensure even cooking and achieve a consistent golden-brown coloration throughout.
- Monitor the internal temperature, cooking until the meat reaches a safe 160°F. This typically requires 10-12 minutes of total grilling time, depending on the thickness of the kebabs.
- Remove the kebabs from heat and let them rest briefly, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness. Plate alongside traditional Mediterranean accompaniments like creamy tzatziki, smooth hummus, warm flatbread, or a crisp, refreshing salad.
Notes
- Ensure meat mixture stays cold while preparing to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
- Wet hands slightly before shaping kebabs to prevent meat from sticking and create smoother surfaces.
- Skip cayenne for kid-friendly version or reduce spice level by using mild paprika instead.
- For gluten-free option, serve with lettuce wraps or gluten-free flatbread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg