Pan-Seared Lamb Kofta with Za'atar Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-16 · Updated 2026-05-16

Juicy lamb kofta seasoned with aromatic spices, pan-seared to perfection, and served with a tangy za'atar-infused yogurt sauce. This Middle Eastern recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp za'atar spice blend
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 8 oval-shaped koftas, about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the koftas and cook for 4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until browned on all sides and cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F.
4. Step 4: While koftas cook, prepare the sauce by whisking together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp za'atar spice blend, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and fragrant.
5. Step 5: Serve the warm lamb koftas drizzled with the za'atar yogurt sauce alongside fresh vegetables or flatbread.