Beef Mince Kofta Skewers with Tahini Sauce is a dish steeped in centuries of Middle Eastern culinary tradition, bringing the region’s aromatic and deeply flavorful cuisine to your table. Kofta, a term derived from the Persian word “kufta,” meaning “to grind” or “pound,” refers to ground meat that’s expertly blended with herbs, spices, and seasoning. This beloved dish has variations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and even into Mediterranean cuisine, showcasing its enduring appeal and versatility. With these skewers paired with a silky tahini sauce, you’ll experience a modern take on a classic recipe that captures the vibrancy of its origins while keeping it simple and accessible for home cooks.
Central to the flavor profile of these Beef Mince Kofta Skewers is the thoughtful combination of spices like ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon that deliver warmth and complexity. These spices are culinary staples of Middle Eastern cooking, offering an intoxicating aroma reminiscent of bustling bazaars and spice markets. Fresh parsley, garlic, and onion brighten the mix and balance the richness of the beef, creating a harmonious blend of bold yet delicate flavors. Using beef mince with a touch of fat is key to ensuring juicy, tender koftas, as the fat binds everything together while enhancing the dish’s succulence.
What makes this recipe particularly special is its accessibility. It respects the essence of traditional kofta but adapts it for the modern kitchen. By shaping the kofta onto wooden skewers, the dish becomes easier to handle, cook, and serve—perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to social gatherings. Grilling the skewers locks in flavor while caramelizing the exterior, resulting in a deliciously smoky and charred crust. This cooking method is reminiscent of the traditional way koftas would be cooked over open flames, capturing the rustic spirit of the dish.
The creamy tahini sauce acts as a luxurious counterpart to the spiced skewers, offering a nutty, slightly tangy, and smooth contrast. Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, is another pillar of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, known for its rich, earthy quality. The addition of fresh lemon juice elevates the sauce with a vibrant acidity, while minced garlic and a pinch of salt round out its flavor. The simplicity of this sauce allows the koftas’ spiced complexity to shine, while simultaneously adding depth to every bite.
Although the roots of this dish are deeply traditional, it has universal appeal thanks to its robust yet approachable flavor profile. Whether you serve them as part of a mezze platter, accompanied by warm pita bread and fresh salads, or with rice for a heartier meal, these skewers are endlessly versatile.
Finally, the inspiration behind this recipe lies in capturing the spirit of Middle Eastern street food culture—a vibrant and dynamic world of sizzling grills, aromatic herbs, and communal eating. It’s a dish that invites family and friends to gather around the table, indulging in the warmth and hospitality synonymous with this part of the world. By recreating this timeless recipe at home, you’re celebrating not only the flavors but also the rich history and traditions that have shaped Middle Eastern cuisine for generations.
Beef Mince Kofta Skewers with Tahini Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
Kofta Skewers
500 grams ground beef (minced beef) - preferably with a bit of fat
1 large onion - finely chopped
2 cloves garlic - minced
¼ cup parsley - fresh, chopped
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper - freshly ground
Tahini Sauce
½ cup tahini - stirred well
¼ cup lemon juice - freshly squeezed
2 tablespoons water - as needed- 1 clove garlic - minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mince, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix everything together well using your hands until all spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Shape the meat mixture firmly around the soaked wooden skewers to form elongated oval shapes.
- Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat (about 180°C/350°F). Grill the kofta skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a rich brown crust and are cooked through.
- For the tahini sauce, in a small bowl, mix the tahini with lemon juice and minced garlic. Gradually add water to reach the desired consistency while stirring continuously. Season with salt to taste.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the lemon, garlic, and seasoning to your preference.
