Grilled Lamb Kofta (Easy Mediterranean Recipe)

Jump to Recipe

Grilled Lamb Kofta are juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh herbs, garlic, onion, and warm Mediterranean spices. They are easy to make on an outdoor grill or grill pan. These lamb kofta pair perfectly with hummus, pita bread, fresh salads, rice, or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, these homemade lamb kofta are always a crowd-pleaser.

I first got the idea for this recipe after ordering a mixed lamb platter at a Mediterranean restaurant. It included lamb kofta, lamb chops, and lamb kebabs. After I tasted the kofta I immediately knew I wanted to recreate it at home. I researched traditional ingredients and tested the recipe several times, until I created a version that my family absolutely loves. The combination of fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices keeps the kofta incredibly juicy and flavorful. Thes lamb kofta have become one of our favorite meals to make throughout the year.

Why You’ll Love These Grilled Lamb Kofta

• Delicious Mediterranean flavors. Fresh parsley, mint, garlic, onion, cumin, and smoked paprika give these grilled lamb kofta a bold Mediterranean flavor. Every bite is juicy, savory, and packed with herbs and spices.

• Juicy and tender. Blended vegetables release moisture into the ground lamb as the kofta cooks. This helps keep the meat juicy and tender without adding breadcrumbs or other fillers.

• No chopping required. Skip the knife and cutting board. Add the vegetables, herbs, garlic, and spices to a food processor and blend them into a smooth mixture. It saves time and makes the recipe much easier.

• Perfect for grilling. Fire up the grill instead of turning on the oven. These lamb kofta cook in just a few minutes, making them perfect for hot summer days.

• Naturally gluten-free. This recipe contains no breadcrumbs or flour. It is a great option for anyone following a gluten-free diet or avoiding wheat.

• Great for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the kofta for quick lunches, easy dinners, or Mediterranean bowls throughout the week.

• Perfect for summer gatherings. Serve these grilled lamb kofta at backyard BBQs, pool parties, or family dinners. Pair them with hummus, pita bread, fresh salads, and your favorite Mediterranean sides for an easy meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for the Lamb Kofta

• Ground lamb – I usually buy it from Aldi
• Bell pepper
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh herbs– parsley and mint
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cumin

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small blender, chopper
• Large mixing bowl
• Food safe gloves (optional)
• Small scale (optional)
• Grill or grill pan
• Food safe tongs
• Food thermometer (optional)
• Knife
• Cutting board

Please Note: Some of the links in this blog post are Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Food Kooky!

Helpful Tips for Making Lamb Kofta

• Blend until smooth. You may need to stop the food processor several times and stir the mixture. Large pieces of onion, bell pepper, or herbs can get stuck near the blades or the lid. Blend until the vegetables and herbs form a smooth paste before mixing them with the ground lamb.
• Refrigerate the meat mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the seasoned lamb for at least 1 hour. You can also leave it overnight if you plan ahead. This gives the meat time to absorb the moisture from the vegetables and develop even more flavor.
• Wet or lightly oil your hands. The meat mixture can feel sticky while shaping the kofta. Wet your hands with water or rub them with a little oil before rolling each piece. This makes shaping much easier. If your grill tends to stick, the light coating of oil also helps prevent the kofta from sticking.
• Shape the kofta ahead of time. Form the kofta several hours before cooking if you’re entertaining. Arrange them on a tray, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. Then place them on the hot grill just before serving.
• Preheat the grill well. A hot grill helps prevent sticking and creates beautiful grill marks. Never place the kofta on a grill that is still heating up. They may fall apart.
• Don’t flip them too early. Let the kofta cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes before turning them. They will release from the grill more easily and keep their shape.
• Serving size may vary. The number of servings depends on how large you shape the kofta. I like to use a kitchen scale so they cook evenly. I usually divide the mixture into 15 portions, about 2.8 to 3 ounces (80 g) each. If you serve three kofta per person, this recipe makes 5 servings.

Pro Tip – Check for Seasoning

The amount of salt depends on the type and brand you use. Some salts taste much stronger than others, so I don’t recommend relying on one exact measurement.

I usually start with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper per pound of ground meat. Before shaping the kofta, I always check the seasoning.

To do that, place about ½ teaspoon of the meat mixture on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it for about 10 seconds, or until fully cooked. Let it cool for a few seconds, then taste it.

If needed, add a little more salt to the remaining mixture and test it again. This quick step takes less than a minute and helps you season the lamb perfectly every time.

How to Build a Mediterranean Kofta Bowl

My favorite way to serve these grilled lamb kofta is in a Mediterranean bowl with homemade hummus, a fresh salad, warm pita bread, crumbled feta cheese, and olives. It turns a simple grilled meat recipe into a colorful, satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Start with a generous spoonful of hummus, then add the grilled lamb kofta and your favorite salad. Finish with warm pita bread, feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if you like. You can also add rice, couscous, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to make the bowl even more filling.

If you’re looking for more serving ideas, be sure to check out my recipes for homemade hummus, Mediterranean salad, homemade pita bread, and other Mediterranean side dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled lamb kofta hot off the grill with your favorite Mediterranean sides. They pair perfectly with hummus, warm pita bread, fresh salads, rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables. You can also build a Mediterranean bowl or wrap them in pita for an easy meal. These grilled lamb kofta are perfect for summer BBQs, game nights, family dinners, and casual gatherings with friends.

Storing and Reheating Lamb Kofta

Store leftover grilled lamb kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Reheat them in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quick meal.

You can freeze the uncooked kofta before grilling if needed. However, I prefer making them fresh whenever possible. Freezing and thawing can change the texture and cause the meat to lose some of its natural juices.

Other Lamb recipes you might like

Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb with Vegetables

Greek Lamb Burgers with Whipped Feta Sauce

Lamb with Mint and Feta Sauce (Gluten Free, Keto)

Pistachio crusted rack of lamb (Low Carb and Gluten Free)