Sizzling Middle Eastern Kebabs Recipe: A Flavor Adventure

Succulent spices and smoky charcoal whisper stories of ancient culinary traditions in these Middle Eastern kebabs.

Tender meat marinated with aromatic herbs speaks volumes about regional cooking techniques.

Generations of cooks have perfected these delectable skewers passed down through generations.

Each bite brings warmth and connection to vibrant street markets and family gatherings.

The blend of spices creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp edges and juicy centers promise a memorable meal that transports you to bustling bazaars.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey through the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine.

What Makes Middle Eastern Kebabs Special

• Burst with Flavor: Packed with aromatic herbs, garlic, and traditional Middle Eastern spices that create an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Master Homemade Cooking: Simple step-by-step process that allows even novice cooks to create restaurant-quality kebabs with confidence and ease.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Perfect for gatherings, barbecues, and family dinners, these kebabs offer a delicious protein option that appeals to meat lovers of all ages.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Lean meat combined with fresh herbs provides a healthy protein-rich meal that keeps you full and energized without compromising on taste.

Ingredients for Middle Eastern Kebabs

• Ground Lamb, Ground Beef: Rich meats that provide the base for these juicy Middle Eastern kebabs.

• Parsley, Garlic: Fresh herbs and pungent garlic that add vibrant flavor and aroma to the meat mixture.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and moisture to enhance the overall taste of the kebabs.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Baharat Spice Blend: Warm and complex spices that create a traditional Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Baking Soda: Helps tenderize the meat and create a softer, more succulent texture in the kebabs.

• Butter, Ghee: Adds a rich, golden finish and extra layer of flavor when brushed on during grilling.

Preparing Middle Eastern Kebabs Easily

Step 1: Chop Aromatic Herbs

Grab a sharp knife and finely mince fresh parsley and garlic.

The herbs will add a burst of vibrant flavor to your kebabs.

Toss the chopped herbs into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Process Onion Magic

Pulse the onion in a food processor until finely chopped.

Spread the processed onion on a paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture.

Save the onion liquid for later.

Add the drained onion to the mixing bowl.

Step 3: Spice Up the Mixture

• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Baking soda

Mix everything thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Cover the meat mixture and pop it into the refrigerator.

Let it rest for about 45 minutes.

This cooling time allows the flavors to meld and makes the meat easier to shape.

Step 5: Shape Kebab Goodness

Moisten your hands with the reserved onion liquid to prevent sticking.

Carefully mold the meat mixture onto skewers, creating uniform shapes for even cooking.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill to medium-low temperature.

Carefully place the kebabs on the grill.

Cook until they’re fully done, with a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

For an extra touch of richness, brush with melted butter or ghee just before serving.

Handy Pointers for Middle Eastern Kebabs

• Add grated onion liquid while mixing meat to keep kebabs incredibly juicy and tender.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley and mint instead of dried ones for more vibrant, authentic Middle Eastern taste.
• Chill meat mixture before shaping to help proteins bind and create smoother, more cohesive kebabs.
• Wet hands with reserved onion liquid when forming kebabs to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
• Maintain medium-low grill heat to ensure kebabs cook uniformly without burning or becoming tough.

Middle Eastern Kebabs Fresh Twists

• Vegetarian Kebabs: Replace meat with a blend of ground chickpeas, lentils, and quinoa, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking technique.
• Lamb Alternative Kebabs: Swap beef for ground lamb, which offers a richer, more traditional Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Kebabs: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use alternative binding agents like ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
• Low-Carb Kebabs: Skip onion processing and use almond flour as a binder, reducing overall carbohydrate content while preserving the original recipe's essence.

Creative Serving of Middle Eastern Kebabs

Perfect Kebab Companions: Flavor Boosters

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Scatter chopped mint, parsley, or cilantro over the hot kebabs for a burst of fresh, bright flavor that complements the grilled meat.
• Tangy Yogurt Sauce: Whip up a quick sauce with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to create a cool, creamy contrast to the spiced kebabs.
• Warm Flatbread Pairing: Serve alongside soft, warm pita or lavash bread to wrap the kebabs, allowing guests to create their own delicious handheld meals.
• Colorful Salad Side: Prepare a quick Israeli-style salad with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to add freshness and crunch.

How to Keep Middle Eastern Kebabs Tasty

• Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Let kebabs cool completely before placing in the refrigerator to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Consume refrigerated kebabs within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual kebabs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum preservation of flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Why do I need to squeeze out onion liquid?

Removing excess liquid prevents kebabs from becoming soggy and helps the meat bind together better, creating a more compact and juicy texture.

• What does baking soda do in the recipe?

Baking soda helps break down protein fibers in the meat, making the kebabs more tender and giving them a softer, more delicate texture.

• Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground lamb is traditional in Middle Eastern cuisine and will provide a richer, more authentic flavor profile for the kebabs.

• How do I know the kebabs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground meat, ensuring it’s safe to eat while maintaining its juiciness.

Middle Eastern Kebabs Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Middle Eastern kebabs, a delicious journey through aromatic spices and grilled perfection. Tender marinated meats blend traditional flavors, inviting you to experience culinary magic from the heart of the region.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground lamb (or substitute with additional beef)

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 yellow onion, processed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon 7 spices (baharat)
• 1/2 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1/2 tablespoon Aleppo pepper
• 1/4 tablespoon black pepper
• 2–3 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Optional:

• Melted butter or ghee for brushing

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly mince fresh parsley and garlic, combining them with ground meat in a spacious mixing container.
2. Pulse onion in a food processor, then transfer to a paper towel and vigorously extract excess moisture, preserving the liquid for later use.
3. Incorporate aromatic spices and baking soda into the meat mixture, kneading meticulously until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
4. Refrigerate the seasoned mixture for approximately 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and protein to firm up for easier shaping.
5. Moisten hands with reserved onion liquid to prevent sticking, then carefully mold meat mixture around skewers, ensuring even distribution and compact formation.
6. Preheat grill to medium-low heat (around 350°F), positioning kebabs to ensure consistent cooking and prevent charring.
7. Grill kebabs for 12-15 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve uniform browning and internal temperature of 160°F for ground meat.
8. Optional: Brush with melted clarified butter or ghee during final minutes of grilling to enhance moisture and impart rich, golden exterior.
9. Allow kebabs to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from heat, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.

Notes

• Keep meat cold to maintain protein structure and ensure juicy kebabs by chilling mixture before shaping.
• Use paper towel technique when processing onions to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy kebab texture.
• Add baking soda sparingly to help meat retain moisture and create tender, succulent kebab consistency.
• Try spice blends like za’atar or sumac for authentic Middle Eastern flavor variations without compromising meat’s juiciness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 468
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg