If you're hosting a grill party and want to serve something delicious without spending hours marinating meat, this ground beef kebab skewers recipe is your answer. These juicy, flavorful ground beef kebabs are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients. Plus, they grill up beautifully, making them the perfect centerpiece for any barbecue gathering.
This ground beef kebab recipe is 100% beginner-friendly, and the list of ingredients is as short as possible. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you'll have no excuses for not giving it a try!
In Iranian cuisine, koobideh (also known as kofta kabab) is originally made from ground lamb meat and is similar to Pakistani beef seekh kebab. This Middle Eastern dish recipe has been adjusted to feature our favorite type of meat, ground beef. By the way, you can make juicy and delicious beef patties for homemade burgers using this same recipe, so make sure to save it!
Key Highlights of the Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: Only a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. This is a great recipe for any skill level.
- Quick Prep: No marinating required! This is an easy way to launch your bbq party in no time.
- Bursting with Flavor: Thanks to the unique blend of spices, each bite is pure deliciousness.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair these kebabs with a crunchy surimi and cabbage salad or fresh lettuce and blue cheese salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: The star of the show! For best results and juicy kebabs, choose ground beef with 15-20% fat content. Extra-lean ground beef can lead to dry kebabs. If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, a mix of ground beef and lamb also works great.
- Large onion: Onion adds moisture and flavor to the kebabs. Grate or finely chop the onion to blend seamlessly into the meat, ensuring even seasoning. We recommend using white onion, but red onion is also a valid option.
- Garlic: Garlic adds depth and a subtle aromatic note for ultimately flavorful meat. Freshly minced garlic is recommended, but garlic powder can be a convenient substitute if needed.
- Olive oil: Olive oil helps keep the kebabs moist and juicy while grilling. It also prevents them from sticking to the grill. Alternatively, use another type of vegetable oil.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the meat. Season generously for the best taste. Our go-to choice is kosher salt, but regular table salt or Himalayan salt will do just as well.
- Hmeli suneli spice mix: This traditional Georgian spice mix gives the kebabs a unique, aromatic flavor. It typically includes coriander, dill, basil, bay leaves, marjoram, blue clover, parsley, black pepper, celery, thyme, mint, and red hot chili pepper. Italian seasoning or a similar mix will work as a substitute if you can't find it at your local grocery store.
- Chili powder (optional but highly recommended for maximum flavor): Adds a hint of heat. Adjust to your taste preference, or omit if you prefer a milder flavor. Chili powder can easily be substituted for cayenne pepper, other type of hot peppers, or red pepper flakes.
Directions
1. Mix the spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and the hmeli suneli spice mix.
2. Add minced beef and mix thoroughly (up to 2-3 minutes) to combine all the ingredients. Using your hands works best to ensure even distribution of the spices.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to merge.
If you're camping or short on fridge space, simply cover the bowl and keep it in a shaded, cool area for about an hour.
3. Shape the kebabs: Divide the mixture into 10-12 equal portions. With wet hands (to prevent sticking), form oval meatballs around each wooden or metallic skewer. Make sure the kebab skewer is centered inside the kebab so it holds the meat better.
Tip: Press the meat firmly onto the skewer to prevent it from falling off while grilling. Use disposable bamboo skewers or metallic skewers that can be reused.
4. Preheat and grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the kebabs with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the kebabs on the hot grill and cook evenly on all sides until browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
Note: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. We always use our outdoor grill to make these kebabs on summer bbq parties. However, an indoor grill pan can also come in handy.
5. Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, sprinkle with green onion or other herbs (optional) and serve hot with your favorite sides. Great options include fresh vegetables, crunchy surimi and cabbage salad, or a refreshing lettuce and blue cheese salad. These kebabs are also delicious, wrapped in pita bread with fresh herbs and a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce. We also love to serve them with our deep-flavored blue cheese sauce.
Extra Tips
- Prepare the meat in advance and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days to ensure you're ready for the party in no time!
- Keep the mixture cold: Chilling the mixture helps the fat stay solid, ensuring juicy kebabs that hold together on the grill.
- Use metal skewers for better heat distribution: Metal skewers help the meat cook evenly from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can adjust the recipe to your liking, choosing your favorite type of meat (be it ground turkey, ground chicken, or lamb) or a combination of ground beef with another type of meat.
Yes, you can bake these kebabs in the oven if a grill isn’t available, although grilling will add that smokey flavor that is so characteristic of these meat skewers, and you wouldn't want to miss that. Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C) and place the kebabs on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
If you can’t find hmeli suneli, you can use Italian seasoning or a mix of coriander, thyme, basil, and a pinch of chili powder to achieve a similar flavor profile.
To prevent kebabs from falling off, make sure to:
- Use a cold meat mixture.
- Press the meat firmly around the skewer.
- Avoid flipping them too often on the grill. Let one side cook fully before turning.
Serving Suggestions
These ground beef kebab skewers pair perfectly with:
- A crunchy, refreshing vegetable salad that contrasts beautifully with the juicy kebabs.
- Flatbread and yogurt sauce: Wrap the kebabs in flatbread with fresh herbs and a dollop of yogurt sauce for a delicious handheld meal.
Ground Beef Kebab Skewers Recipe (aka Beef Koobideh)
Ingredients
- 1.7 lb (800 g) ground beef
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hmeli suneli spice mix (can be replaced with Italian or similar seasoning)
- ⅓ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the ground beef with finely chopped onion and garlic, and add hmeli suneli spice mix, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well (using your hands or a mixer) to combine all the ingredients. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Form oval meatballs and stick a wooden or metallic skewer through each. Ensure the skewer is centered and hold the kebab well. In total, you'll have around 10-12 kebabs.
- Grease the kebabs with oil and grill evenly from all sides.
- Serve with your favorite salad or another garnish of your choice.
Video
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Prepare the meat in advance and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days to ensure you're ready for the party in no time!
- Chilling the mixture helps the fat stay solid, ensuring juicy kebabs that hold together on the grill.
- Use metal skewers for better heat distribution.
Ground beef kebab skewers (aka Beef Koobideh) are a fantastic choice for grill parties. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, they’re perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The flavorful blend of spices ensures each bite is bursting with deliciousness. Whether hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a casual family dinner, these kebabs will surely be a hit!
Give this recipe a try, and let your taste buds dance in satisfaction!
Nutritional Information
Disclaimer: This nutrition label has been created using the calculator provided by www.verywellfit.com, and it may not be 100% accurate.
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