Grilled Beef Kofta with Cumin and Coriander

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Herb-infused beef kofta skewers grilled to medium-rare perfection, served with a cool mint-yogurt sauce for balanced flavor. This middle eastern-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, red onion, fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Middle Eastern cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly with hands until evenly blended.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high. Thread beef mixture onto skewers, forming 2-inch logs, and brush lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Grill kofta for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  4. Step 4: While grilling, mix 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled kofta immediately with mint-yogurt sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Beef Kofta with Cumin and Coriander take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Beef Kofta with Cumin and Coriander?

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 beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Beef Kofta with Cumin and Coriander?

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 Grilled Beef Kofta with Cumin and Coriander for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Grilled Beef Kofta with Cumin and Coriander?

Middle Eastern beef 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.

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