Imagine biting into a perfectly seasoned, juicy meatball that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Lebanon. These beef kofta meatballs are not just a dish; they're a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your dinner routine! Packed with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, these tender morsels are about to become your new obsession, promising a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Lebanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of ground coriander, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. A good starting point is about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.
- Once the mixture is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the mixture is resting. If you prefer, you can also grill or pan-fry the kofta meatballs instead of baking.
- After resting, remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking, and shape the mixture into meatballs or elongated kofta shapes, about 1-2 inches in size.
- Place the formed kofta meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
- Once your oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the kofta are cooked through and browned on the outside. If grilling, cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.
- While the kofta are cooking, prepare any sides or sauces you plan to serve with them, such as a yogurt sauce, tabbouleh, or pita bread.
- Once cooked, remove the kofta from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help retain their juices.
- Serve the Lebanese beef kofta meatballs warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or mint, alongside your choice of sides. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 blend) for the juiciest results.
- Grate the onion instead of chopping to ensure even distribution and maximum moisture.
- Let the meat mixture rest in the refrigerator to allow spices to fully infuse and flavors to develop.
- Wet your hands when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - leave space between meatballs for even cooking and browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juicy texture.
- Experiment with serving alongside tzatziki, hummus, or a fresh herb salad for a complete Mediterranean experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
