Authentic 3-Ingredients Lebanese Kafta

Simple and delicious Kafta Kebabs made the traditional way with just three main ingredients you likely already have at home: ground meat, onions, and parsley!

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kafta kebab grilled and served on a serving dish

Kafta is a classic Lebanese dish made with ground meat, onions, and parsley, and it’s packed with flavor despite being so simple. Some people call it kefta or kofta, but I’ve always pronounced it kafta.

This recipe is special to me because it’s my mom’s, and I might be a little biased, but I’m convinced she makes the best Lebanese food. (Seriously, her cooking could win awards!) These kafta kebabs are authentic, easy to make, and perfect for bringing a taste of Lebanon to your table.

One of the best things about kafta is how versatile it is; you can shape it into kebabs, roll it into meatballs, make small patties, or even form finger-shaped portions without the kebab sticks.



recipe of kofta kebab featuring plate of kafta kebab with fries, salad, and hummus

What you need to make Kafta kebabs:

  • Ground Meat (you can use beef or lamb)

  • Onions

  • Fresh Parsley

  • Salt & Pepper

  • Kebab Sticks

Measurements are posted in the recipe card below the instructions.


Steps to Make Kafta Kebabs

  • Start by roughly chopping the onions into chunks. Don’t worry about making them too small; the blender will do most of the work.

steps to chop onions for kafta recipe
  • Toss the chopped onions into a blender or food processor and blend until finely minced.

  • Once blended, you’ll need to remove the excess water. The easiest way is to squeeze the onions between two paper towels or use a clean kitchen towel. This step is important to keep your kafta from getting too watery.

steps to blend onions for kafta recipe
  • For the parsley, start by washing it thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Then, pick off the leaves from the stems, discarding the thicker stems and keeping only the tender leaves and smaller stems for chopping.

  • Begin with a rough chop to break the parsley into smaller pieces. Then, use a rocking motion with your knife, going back and forth until the parsley is finely chopped.

how to cut fresh parsley for kefta
  • Add the ground meat, blended onions, chopped parsley, salt & pepper to a large mixing bowl.

  • Mix the ingredients thoroughly. The best way to do this is to wear a glove and use your hands to knead and combine everything (wearing gloves prevents the smell of onions from sticking to your hands).

kofta recipe ingredients in a bowl followed by mixing the kofta
  • Grab a handful of the kafta mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the ball in your hand and flatten it slightly, then insert a skewer into the center. Using your hands, press the meat around the skewer, smoothing and shaping as you go.

  • To get the kebab shape, press gently, release, turn the skewer, and repeat until it looks just right. Don’t worry about perfection, it will taste amazing no matter what!

step to make shish kofta using skewer
  • Heat a grill pan, non-stick skillet, or outdoor BBQ to medium heat.

  • Grill the kafta kebabs for a few minutes on each side until they’re cooked through and slightly charred. If you’re using the oven, preheat it and cook the kafta on a baking sheet. For BBQ or oven cooking, use metal skewers if you have them, or soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to keep them from burning (before adding the kafta of course).

kofta kebabs in the pan being grilled on both sides until ready

Kafta is often enjoyed with warm pita bread, hummus, and tabbouleh (the famous Lebanese salad made with parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur). This is my favorite combo!

However, kafta is versatile and pairs well with whatever you prefer, you can have it with a green salad, french fries, or even rice. You don’t have to stick to a plated meal, try making a kafta sandwich: spread some hummus inside a pita, add the kafta, fresh tomatoes, parsley, lettuce, or anything you love.

close up of kofta kebabs in a serving dish

🇱🇧 Looking for more Lebanese dishes? Discover delicious recipes here!


Lebanese Kafta Recipe

Lebanese Kafta Recipe

Lebanese Kafta Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Yields: 15 medium skewers

Ingredients

  • 400g ground meat (beef or lamb)
  • 2 medium onions or 1 large onion
  • 40 grams fresh parsley (about 1 sprig, uncut)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Roughly chop the onions. Blend them in a food processor until finely minced. Squeeze out excess water using paper towels.
  2. Wash the parsley and pick the leaves from the stems. Roughly chop, then finely mince using a rocking motion with your knife.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, minced onions, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Wear gloves and use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  5. Take a handful of the mixture and roll it around a skewer. Shape it by pressing and turning until even.
  6. Grill the kafta on medium heat for about 5–7 minutes on each side. Alternatively, cook in the oven or on a BBQ. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand.

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easy and authentic recipe for lebanese kafta kebabs
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