Lamb kofta

Lamb kofta is a spiced Middle Eastern dish made from tender lamb mince, mixed with aromatic herbs and spices. Shaped into patties or balls, it's perfect for grilling or pan-frying and pairs well with rice, salad, or pita bread.

28 Dec 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1 lb lamb mince
1 red onion
1/2 cup fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried coriander
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp tomato puree
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
2 tbsp olive oil
Lamb kofta

Lamb kofta is a delicious and flavorful Middle Eastern dish that consists of spiced lamb meat shaped into balls or patties. It's perfect for grilling or pan-frying, and can be served with a variety of accompaniments like rice, salad, or pita bread. This recipe combines aromatic spices with tender lamb mince to create a mouthwatering dish that's sure to impress.

Instructions:

1. Mix the Kofta Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince, chopped red onion, parsley, and minced garlic.
- Add ground cumin, dried coriander, ground cinnamon, and tomato puree to the mixture.
- Add bread crumbs and crack the egg into the bowl.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
2. Form the Kofta:
- Divide the mixture into equal portions. Using your hands, mold each portion into an oblong shape or small patties, as preferred.
- Place the all-purpose flour onto a separate plate.
- Roll each kofta in the flour, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Cook the Kofta:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the koftas to the skillet.
- Cook the koftas for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
4. Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the koftas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Lamb kofta is a versatile and scrumptious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering, a barbecue, or just a regular meal, the rich flavors and succulent texture are sure to be a hit. With these tips and this straightforward recipe, creating a delicious Lamb kofta at home will be both enjoyable and rewarding.

Lamb kofta FAQ:

What is the best baking time and temperature for lamb kofta if I want to bake them instead of pan-frying?

If you choose to bake lamb kofta, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the koftas for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

How can I tell when the lamb kofta is fully cooked?

Lamb kofta is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and is no longer pink in the center. A meat thermometer is a reliable tool to check the doneness.

What are some suitable substitutions for ingredients in lamb kofta?

You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef or turkey if desired. For the egg, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a binding agent. Fresh parsley can be replaced with cilantro for a different flavor.

How should I store leftover lamb kofta?

Cool the leftover kofta to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just ensure they're well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

What type of sides pair well with lamb kofta?

Lamb kofta pairs well with various sides, such as rice pilaf, tabbouleh salad, hummus, tzatziki, or warm pita bread. These accompaniments complement the spices and flavors of the kofta.

Tips:

- For best results, use fresh lamb mince and ensure it is well-chilled before mixing.

- If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or rolled oats as a substitute.

- To ensure even cooking, make sure your koftas are of a uniform size.

- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences—feel free to add more spices if you like a stronger flavor.

- To make the koftas juicier, you can add a small amount of finely grated onion to the meat mixture.

Nutrition per serving

8 Servings
Calories 230kcal
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1.32g
Sugar 1.61g
Fat 18g

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