Lebanese Kafta Kebabs are one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine. Known for their irresistible aroma, juicy interior, and perfectly seasoned flavor, kafta kebabs are a staple across Lebanon and neighboring countries. Whether grilled outdoors over charcoal or cooked indoors on a grill pan, these beef skewers deliver bold flavor with minimal effort.

Kafta, sometimes spelled kofta or kefta, refers to ground meat mixed with herbs, onions, and warm spices, then shaped and cooked. Lebanese kafta stands out for its balance—never overpowering, never bland. Each bite is savory, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality kafta kebabs at home, using simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.

Why Lebanese Kafta Kebabs Are So Popular

Kafta kebabs are popular for good reason:

They cook quickly, making them perfect for weeknight meals
They use affordable ingredients
They pair well with a wide variety of sides
They are naturally gluten-free and protein-rich
They adapt easily to grilling, baking, or pan-searing

From family gatherings to summer barbecues, kafta kebabs are always welcome at the table.

Ingredients

1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred for juiciness)
1 medium onion, very finely minced or grated
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

Prepare the Onion:
Grate or mince the onion very finely. Squeeze out excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy kebabs.
Mix the Kafta:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, parsley, garlic, salt, allspice, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, and olive oil.
Blend Gently:
Mix with your hands just until combined. Over-mixing can make the kebabs dense.
Chill the Mixture:
Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up and hold its shape on the skewers.
Shape the Kebabs:
Divide the mixture into equal portions. Press each portion around a skewer, shaping into a long oval about ¾-inch thick.
Preheat the Grill:
Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
Grill the Kafta:
Grill kebabs for 4–5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until browned and cooked through.
Rest and Serve:
Remove from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

What Makes Kafta Juicy Every Time

The secret to juicy Lebanese kafta kebabs lies in three key factors:

Fat Content:
Using ground beef with some fat (80/20) keeps the kebabs moist.

Finely Minced Onion:
Onion adds moisture and sweetness without overpowering the meat.

Minimal Mixing:
Gentle mixing keeps the texture tender rather than compact.

Traditional Lebanese Flavor Profile

Lebanese kafta uses a restrained spice blend. Unlike heavily spiced kebabs from other regions, Lebanese kafta focuses on balance. Allspice provides warmth, cinnamon adds subtle sweetness, and parsley brightens the entire dish.

This restraint allows the beef flavor to shine while still delivering unmistakable Middle Eastern character.

Serving Suggestions

Lebanese kafta kebabs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:

Warm pita bread
Garlic sauce (toum)
Hummus or baba ghanoush
Lebanese rice with vermicelli
Tomato and cucumber salad
Pickled turnips or cucumbers

They can also be tucked into wraps, served over rice bowls, or plated as part of a mezze spread.

Variations

Chicken Kafta:
Substitute ground chicken and add a tablespoon of olive oil for moisture.

Spicy Kafta:
Add chili flakes or minced fresh chili for heat.

Oven-Baked Kafta:
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping once.

Kafta Without Skewers:
Shape into patties or logs and pan-sear.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Kafta mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead
Cooked kebabs keep well refrigerated for 3 days
Freeze uncooked shaped kafta for up to 2 months

Cultural Context

Kafta is deeply rooted in Lebanese home cooking. It appears on everyday dinner tables as often as it does at celebrations. Families often pass down their own spice ratios, making each version slightly unique while staying true to tradition.

Final Thoughts

Juicy Lebanese Kafta Kebabs are proof that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create extraordinary flavor. This recipe delivers authentic taste, reliable texture, and flexibility for any occasion—from casual dinners to festive gatherings.