Grilled Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Juicy spiced ground beef kebabs grilled to perfection and served with a cooling tahini yogurt sauce, ideal for a flavorful Middle Eastern meal. This middle eastern-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes blends ground beef (80% lean), small onion, grated, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 small grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into an elongated oval around metal or soaked wooden skewers. Brush each kofta with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the koftas for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by whisking together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Serve the hot kofta kebabs drizzled with the tahini yogurt sauce alongside pita bread and fresh salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Yogurt Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Yogurt Sauce?
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 Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Yogurt Sauce?
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.
