Aromatic ground lamb skewers with Middle Eastern spices
Spiced Lamb Kofta Skewers
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4
8 skewers
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Spiced Lamb Kofta Skewers
Aromatic ground lamb skewers with Middle Eastern spices
★4.9(24)
Seasoned ground lamb shaped around skewers and grilled until charred and juicy. Served with hummus and flatbread for a complete meal.
20m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Kofta are ground meat skewers popular across the Middle East. These lamb kofta are warmly spiced with cumin, coriander, and cinnamon for an irresistible smoky flavor.
Great appetizers set the mood for the meal ahead. This one is impressive enough for guests but simple enough for any night.
What makes Spiced Lamb Kofta Skewers worth adding to your regular rotation is the balance between effort and reward. The ingredient list is straightforward, the technique is approachable, and the result consistently delivers the kind of deep, satisfying flavor that makes people ask for the recipe. Whether you are cooking for yourself on a quiet evening or feeding a table full of guests, this dish scales beautifully and never disappoints.
Great appetizers set the tone for everything that follows. They should be bold enough to excite the palate but restrained enough to leave room for the main event. Focus on one or two strong flavors rather than trying to do too much, and your guests will be impressed.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 tsp each cumin, coriander, and cinnamon
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Mix ground lamb, grated onion, garlic, spices, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 2
Divide into 8 portions and shape each around a flat metal skewer, forming elongated sausage shapes.
- 3
Refrigerate shaped kofta for 30 minutes to firm up.
- 4
Grill over medium-high heat, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
- 5
Serve immediately with hummus, warm flatbread, pickled red onions, and fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
Ground lambGround beef or a mix
Slightly different flavor but same technique
Fresh parsleyFresh cilantro or mint
Different herb profile, equally good
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Wet your hands when shaping to prevent the meat from sticking.
Flat skewers prevent the kofta from spinning when you flip them.
These also cook beautifully under a broiler.
Taste and adjust seasoning at every stage of cooking — what tastes right before cooking often needs adjustment after.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: These can be partially prepared up to a day ahead. Do the prep work in advance and the final assembly takes just minutes, which lets you actually enjoy your own party.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (90mg) · 4 servings
Calories340
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates24g
Fat2g
Fiber420mg
Sugar0g
Sodium1g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake these instead?
- Yes, bake at 425°F for 15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet.
- What dipping sauce pairs best?
- Tahini sauce, tzatziki, or a yogurt-mint sauce all work.
- Can I make this ahead?
- Most components can be prepared up to a day ahead. Store separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture and presentation.
- How many should I plan per guest?
- For a cocktail-style event, plan 8 to 12 pieces per person across all appetizers. For a pre-dinner course, 3 to 5 pieces per person is usually sufficient.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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