Craving the smoky, robust flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine but don’t have a grill? No problem! These Homemade Middle Eastern-Style Kabobs are a fantastic way to enjoy those delicious flavors right in your kitchen. Although grilling them over charcoal adds that authentic taste, pan-frying them still yields a mouthwatering result.
These kabobs are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Eat them straight off the plate, stuffed into a pita, paired with some fluffy rice, or served with a low-carb side for a lighter option. The choice is yours!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground lamb
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp Aleppo pepper or chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 4-6 finely minced garlic cloves
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/3 cup crushed toasted walnuts
- 1 small Serrano or jalapeño pepper, finely diced (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Begin by combining 1 lb of 80/20 ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground lamb in a large mixing bowl. This blend of beef and lamb provides a balance of flavor and juiciness that’s ideal for kabobs. If you prefer, you can use just ground beef, but the lamb adds an authentic touch.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Season the meat mixture with a few generous pinches of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of paprika, 2 teaspoons of Aleppo pepper or chili flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. These spices bring the signature warmth and depth that Middle Eastern dishes are known for.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Herbs
To enhance the flavor, mix in 4-6 finely minced garlic cloves, 1 small red bell pepper (finely diced), 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, and 1/3 cup crushed toasted walnuts. If you like a bit of heat, throw in a finely diced Serrano or jalapeño pepper. The combination of fresh herbs and crunchy nuts adds a delightful texture and freshness to the kabobs. For a more savory option, you can also add in a sprinkle of ground cumin and coriander for an earthy flavor. Once all the ingredients are mixed, let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. After marinating, thread the mixture onto skewers and grill until the ingredients are cooked through. For a complete meal, serve the kabobs with a side of fluffy rice and a homemade naan khatai recipe.
Step 4: Let It Rest
For the best flavor, allow the meat mixture to rest for 1-2 hours. This resting period lets the spices and herbs meld with the meat, resulting in a more flavorful kabob. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Shape and Cook the Kabobs
When ready to cook, wet your hands with a bit of water to prevent the meat from sticking. Form the mixture into logs, patties, or any shape you prefer. Tip: Logs are great for grilling, while patties work well for pan-frying.
Heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat. If you’re grilling, place the kabobs on the grill and cook until they develop a nice crust on all sides, about 6-8 minutes depending on their thickness. For pan-frying, cook them in a bit of oil until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once cooked, plate the kabobs and dust them with a bit of sumac and fresh parsley. Sumac adds a tart, lemony flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
Make the Garlicky Dip
Ingredients for the Dip
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 4 tbsp sour cream
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tbsp sumac
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for the Dip
Mix 2 tablespoons of mayo and 4 tablespoons of sour cream in a small bowl. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tablespoon of sumac, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and the juice of half a lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. For a lighter dip, substitute the mayo and sour cream with yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
These kabobs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic Middle Eastern meal, serve them with pita bread, hummus, and a simple salad. If you’re cutting carbs, try them with cauliflower rice or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad.
Homemade Kabobs & Garlicky Sauce
Ingredients
Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (80/20)
- ½ lb 225g ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper or chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 4-6 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 small red pepper finely diced
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- ⅓ cup crushed toasted walnuts
- 1 small Serrano or jalapeño pepper finely diced (optional)
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
Garlicky Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tablespoon sumac
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb, salt, pepper, paprika, Aleppo pepper or chili flakes, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin, and cinnamon. Add minced garlic, diced red pepper, chopped parsley, mint, crushed walnuts, and optional Serrano or jalapeño pepper. Mix well.
Marinate:
- Let the meat mixture sit for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Shape the Kabobs:
- Wet your fingers with water, then shape the meat mixture into logs, patties, or desired shapes.
Cook the Kabobs:
- Grill the kabobs on a charcoal grill for optimal flavor, or pan-fry them over medium-high heat until they develop a nice crust on all sides (about 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness).
Prepare the Garlicky Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, sumac, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. You can substitute mayo and sour cream with yogurt for a lower-calorie option.
Serve:
- Plate the kabobs and garnish with extra sumac and fresh parsley. Serve with the garlicky sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- These kabobs can be enjoyed on their own, with pita or wraps, or over rice.
- For a low-carb option, try serving with low-carb rice or cauliflower rice.
- Adjust the spice level according to your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the rich flavors of Middle Eastern kabobs at home, even without a grill! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these kabobs are sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to play around with the spices or add your own twist to the recipe. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
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