Egyptian-Style Grilled Beef Kofta Kebabs with Fresh Herb Yogurt Sauce

These Egyptian-inspired kofta kebabs are about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine and become your family’s new favorite meal. Made with perfectly seasoned ground beef mixed with fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and colorful bell peppers, these juicy kebabs deliver incredible Middle Eastern flavors with minimal effort. The secret lies in the combination of fresh coriander, parsley, and a blend of warm spices that infuse every bite with authentic taste. Baked to perfection in the oven and finished under the grill for that beautiful charred exterior, these kebabs are tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Paired with a refreshing yogurt-mint sauce and served alongside rice or warm pita bread, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of Egyptian cuisine straight to your dinner table.

Ingredients

For the Kofta Kebabs:

• 1kg (2.2 lbs) ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)
• 1 bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped (about 50g / 1.8 oz)
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped (about 50g / 1.8 oz)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 hot chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 large onion (approximately 150g / 5.3 oz), grated
• 1½ tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Yogurt Herb Sauce:

• 2-3 tbsp fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
• 30g (1 oz) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 hot peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 2 tbsp), adjust to taste
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 200g (¾ cup) plain yogurt
• 2-3 tbsp milk (if needed to thin the sauce)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice
• Pita bread
• Fresh tomato and onion salad
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

Place 1kg of ground beef (or beef and lamb mixture) in a large mixing bowl. Finely chop the coriander and parsley, then add them to the meat along with the minced garlic. Mix these ingredients together gently with your hands.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Cut the hot chili pepper in half, remove all seeds and membranes, then finely chop it. Dice both the green and red bell peppers into very small pieces using a sharp knife. You can also use a food processor to chop them finely, but be careful not to puree them. Add all the chopped peppers to the meat mixture.

Add the Onion:

Grate the large onion using the coarse side of a box grater. Place the grated onion in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove excess liquid. This step is crucial as onions contain a lot of moisture that can make your kebabs fall apart. Add the squeezed onion to the meat mixture.

Season the Mixture:

Add 1½ teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of ground coriander, ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to the meat mixture. If you have sumac or additional chili powder and want more spice, you can add them at this stage.

Mix and Rest:

Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly for 3-4 minutes, kneading the mixture until everything is well combined and the mixture becomes slightly sticky. This helps bind the ingredients together. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and makes the mixture easier to shape.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:

While the meat mixture rests, prepare the sauce. Finely chop the fresh coriander and mint leaves and place them in a medium bowl. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped hot peppers, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Add 200g of yogurt and stir everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Shape the Kebabs:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with vegetable oil. Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator. Spread the entire mixture onto the prepared baking tray, pressing it down evenly into a rectangular shape about 3cm (1.2 inches) thick. The rectangle should cover most of the tray.

Cut into Portions:

Using a knife or bench scraper, mark equal intervals across the meat to divide it into individual kebab portions. Make lengthwise cuts to create finger-shaped kebabs of equal size. Use the back of a knife to make shallow diagonal indentations across each kebab to create a grill-mark pattern. Once marked, gently separate the kebabs slightly from each other so they don’t touch.

Bake the Kebabs:

Place the baking tray on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake at 220°C (428°F) for 10-12 minutes until the kebabs are cooked through and beginning to brown on top.

Grill for Color:

After 12 minutes, carefully flip each kebab over using tongs or a spatula. Move the baking tray to the top rack of the oven and switch the oven to grill/broil mode. Grill for 2-3 minutes until the surface becomes nicely charred and caramelized. Flip the kebabs one more time and grill the other side for another 2-3 minutes until evenly browned and slightly crispy on the outside.

Serve:

Remove the kebabs from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or coriander if desired. Serve immediately with cooked rice, warm pita bread, fresh tomato and onion salad, lemon wedges, and the prepared yogurt herb sauce on the side.

Time & Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6-8 portions (makes approximately 12-16 kebabs)

Nutrition (per serving, 2 kebabs): Calories: 385 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 2g

Why This Recipe Works

These Egyptian-style kofta kebabs offer excellent nutritional value alongside their incredible flavor. Ground beef provides high-quality complete protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair, along with important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly B12. The generous amount of fresh herbs—coriander and parsley—adds not just flavor but also antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, and beneficial plant compounds that support digestion and reduce inflammation. Bell peppers contribute additional vitamin C and antioxidants that boost immune function. The aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika not only enhance taste but also offer anti-inflammatory properties and aid in digestion. The yogurt sauce provides probiotics for gut health, calcium for bones, and additional protein. By baking rather than deep-frying, this recipe keeps the kebabs lighter while still achieving a delicious exterior. This dish proves that flavorful, satisfying meals can also be nutritious, offering a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and herbs that nourish your body while delighting your taste buds with authentic Middle Eastern flavors.