Terumi Morita
May 22, 2026·Recipes·1 min read · 264 words

Kafta Kebab

Kafta Kebab consists of spiced ground lamb and beef formed onto skewers and grilled, often served in various regional styles.

Contents4項)
Two long flat skewers of charred ground-meat kebab beside grilled tomato and onion, sumac sprinkled on top, flatbread alongside.
RecipeMiddle Eastern
Prep20m
Cook15m
Serves4 人分
LevelMedium

Ingredients

  • 500 g ground lamb
  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp sumac
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • flatbreads, for serving
  • grilled tomatoes, for serving
  • grilled onions, for serving

Steps

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, spices (cumin, coriander, allspice, sumac, salt, and pepper), parsley, mint, and olive oil. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated, ensuring a smooth consistency.

  2. Divide the mixture into equal portions, about 100 g each, and mold them around flat skewers. Ensure they are tightly formed to prevent them from falling apart during grilling.

  3. Preheat your grill to high heat (around 230°C/450°F). This high temperature is crucial for achieving a nice char and sealing in the juices of the kafta.

  4. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the kafta is nicely browned and reaches an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F).

  5. Serve the kafta kebabs hot off the grill with grilled tomatoes, onions, and flatbreads for a complete meal.

Why this works

This kafta kebab recipe combines ground lamb and beef for a rich flavor and juicy texture, while the incorporation of spices and herbs infuses the meat with aromatic notes. Working the meat mixture until smooth ensures a cohesive blend that adheres well to the skewers, preventing them from breaking apart during grilling. Grilling at high temperatures rapidly caramelizes the surface, creating a char that enhances flavor while keeping the inside moist. If the kafta seems too loose to hold its shape, consider chilling the skewers for 15-20 minutes before grilling to firm them up. Ensure even shaping around the skewers for uniform cooking; uneven pieces will cook at different rates, leading to some being overdone while others remain undercooked. This balance of technique and ingredient synergy results in a well-executed dish suitable for various occasions.

Autopilot guard summary

  • truth: approved
  • quality: approved (score 100)
  • similarity: approved (score 0.062 vs sake-shioyaki)
  • regulatory: approved
  • image: approved

Terumi Brain v1 review

  • grade: B · overall 77/100 · readiness needs_minor_edits
  • scores: chef=100 science=30 repair=75 culture=90 safety=100 taste=66 mon=60 geo=95

Suggested enhancements

  • One science term (Maillard, emulsion, denaturation, etc.) earned in context would raise the explanation.
  • A failure-rescue line ('if it breaks, ...' / 'if it seems too tough, ...') makes the piece feel like a working cook wrote it.
  • Naming one or two taste axes (salt / acid / fat / umami / aroma / texture) makes the dish's structure visible.

Brain-suggested book

  • The Japanese Home-Cooking Code: Unlocking Flavor (home-cooking-code-en)