Bulgur and Lamb Kibbeh with Fresh Mint
Crisp, herb-packed kibbeh patties made with ground lamb, bulgur, and aromatic mint, pan-fried to golden perfection. This mediterranean ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground lamb, fine bulgur, warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 cup fine bulgur
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1, finely chopped medium onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 1 cup fine bulgur in 1/2 cup warm water for 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a bowl. Add 1 lb ground lamb, 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until combined, then refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 12 equal patties, about 3 inches in diameter. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 3: Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to maintain juiciness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bulgur and Lamb Kibbeh with Fresh Mint take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bulgur and Lamb Kibbeh with Fresh Mint?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground lamb from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bulgur and Lamb Kibbeh with Fresh Mint?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bulgur and Lamb Kibbeh with Fresh Mint for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bulgur and Lamb Kibbeh with Fresh Mint?
Mediterranean mediterranean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
