Turkish Lamb Köfte with Sumac Yogurt Drizzle

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

Juicy spiced lamb köfte grilled to perfection, served with a tangy sumac-infused yogurt sauce and fresh cucumber salad. This turkish-inspired lamb ready in about 32 minutes pairs ground lamb, medium onion, grated, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Turkish cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb with 1 grated medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 8 oval-shaped köfte patties, about 3 inches long each.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the köfte patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned on the outside and cooked through to medium.
  4. Step 4: While the köfte cooks, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp sumac and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: In another bowl, combine 1 diced medium cucumber with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss lightly.
  6. Step 6: Serve the lamb köfte hot, drizzled generously with the sumac yogurt sauce, accompanied by the fresh cucumber salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Turkish Lamb Köfte with Sumac Yogurt Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Turkish Lamb Köfte with Sumac Yogurt Drizzle?

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 Turkish Lamb Köfte with Sumac Yogurt Drizzle?

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 Turkish Lamb Köfte with Sumac Yogurt Drizzle 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 Turkish Lamb Köfte with Sumac Yogurt Drizzle?

Turkish lamb 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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