The Perfect Lamb Kofta: Grilling Time And Techniques

Lamb koftas are a delicious Middle Eastern dish, typically made with lamb mince and a variety of spices. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, and pan-frying. But how long should you cook them on a BBQ?

When cooking lamb koftas on a BBQ, it's important to ensure that the grill is preheated to a medium-high or high heat. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your koftas, but generally, they should be cooked for around 3-4 minutes on each side, for a total of about 6-12 minutes. This will ensure that the koftas are browned on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's important to note that you should avoid overcooking lamb as it can become dry and gamey.

So, the next time you're firing up the BBQ, why not try cooking some lamb koftas? With their exotic spices and juicy flavour, they're sure to be a hit!

How to prepare the lamb kofta for cooking on a BBQ

How to Prepare Lamb Kofta for Cooking on a BBQ

Ingredients

Firstly, you'll need to gather your ingredients. Lamb kofta is a dish that's full of flavour, with a variety of spices and herbs. The exact ingredients can vary, but here's a list of what you'll typically need:

• Ground lamb
• Onion (grated or finely chopped)
• Garlic (freshly minced or crushed)
• Fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, dill, mint, coriander)
• Spices (e.g. cumin, cinnamon, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cloves, allspice)
• Salt
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Olive oil
• Metal skewers

Preparation

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the lamb kofta mixture. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning.
• In a large bowl, combine the grated or chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, spices, and salt. Stir everything together until well blended.
• Add the ground lamb to the bowl and mix until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the kofta tough.
• With damp hands, divide the meat mixture into equal portions and shape them into ovals or sausages around the skewers. Leave a small gap between each portion on the skewer.
• Brush the kofta with a little olive oil.
• Cover the skewers and refrigerate for about 2 hours before cooking. This allows the flavours to meld.

Cooking

When you're ready to cook, fire up your BBQ! Here's how to grill your lamb kofta to perfection:

• Preheat your BBQ to a medium-high heat, using the direct method.
• Brush the grill grate liberally with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the skewers on the BBQ and cook for about 6-10 minutes.
• Turn the skewers regularly to ensure even browning.
• The kofta is done when it is browned on all sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Serving

Lamb kofta is typically served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

• Pita bread or flatbreads (warmed)
• Yogurt sauce or tzatziki
• Hummus
• Rice
• Salad (e.g. cucumber, tomato, red onion, cabbage, carrot, mint)
• Grilled vegetables (e.g. eggplant, zucchini, carrots)

How long to cook lamb kofta on a BBQ

Preparation

Before you start cooking your lamb koftas, you'll need to prepare the meat mixture. This typically includes lamb mince, onion, garlic, spices, and sometimes breadcrumbs. You'll need to mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and then shape the mixture into sausages or ovals, placing them on skewers. You can use either metal or wooden skewers, but if you use wooden skewers, you'll need to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning.

Cooking Time

Once your lamb koftas are prepared, you can start up your BBQ and cook them for about 6 to 10 minutes. It's important to oil the grill to prevent the koftas from sticking. During cooking, you should rotate the skewers regularly to ensure even browning on all sides. The koftas are typically done when they are lightly browned on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Tips for Success

• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, as this can make the koftas tough.
• If you're having trouble shaping the mixture, try wetting your hands with water or oil.
• Don't overcook the koftas, as this can dry them out. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature if possible.
• If using a charcoal grill, cook the koftas over medium heat for a more authentic flavour.
• Serve with Middle Eastern-inspired sides such as hummus, pita bread, rice, and salads.

What to serve with lamb kofta

Lamb koftas are a popular Middle Eastern dish, often served as wraps in flatbreads with fresh salad, yoghurt, and spiced vegetables. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside lamb koftas:

Salads

• Couscous salad is a great carbohydrate option that will fill up your guests without feeling too heavy. It's super easy to prepare and you can add your choice of vegetables, such as diced carrot, peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
• Chopped salad veggies are a good option if you want to keep things simple. Go for lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and carrot, and try to pick up ingredients that are seasonal and locally sourced.
• Tabbouleh is a fresh herb and bulgar salad dotted with diced vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, pepper, and red onion.
• Fattoush is a Levantine salad made with mixed vegetables and topped with fried or toasted pieces of bread.
• Greek salad is a light and fresh option made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese.
• Shirazi salad is a Persian salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion.
• Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is colourful and bright, and can be found all over the Middle East.
• Tunisian carrot salad is another option for a healthy side dish.

Dips and Breads

• Tzatziki is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from yoghurt, garlic, cucumber, salt, and olive oil. It's the perfect accompaniment to lamb koftas when served inside a wrap with chopped salad ingredients.
• Houmous is another classic Middle Eastern dip that goes well with lamb koftas. It's easy to make and only requires a few ingredients, including chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin.
• Flatbreads are perfect for turning your koftas into wraps. You can make your own Greek flatbreads with plain flour and natural yoghurt, or try Indian naan bread, Iraqi samoon bread, or Turkish flatbread.
• Pita bread is a soft and slightly chewy flatbread that can be used for dipping or for making wraps.

Vegetables

• Grilled vegetables are a healthy and flavoursome option. Try bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, marinated and grilled to bring out their natural flavours.
• Spicy Middle Eastern potatoes pack a punch with lots of garlic, fresh herbs, and a unique blend of fragrant spices. A splash of lime juice brings it all together.
• Roasted squash with Middle Eastern spices is a healthy and tasty option. Cut squash into bite-sized chunks, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with spices like cumin, nutmeg, and turmeric, then roast in a hot oven until soft and golden. Add some feta cheese before serving.
• Pickled vegetables are a typical side dish to serve with koftas.

Rice and Pulses

• Rice pilaf is a fragrant and aromatic rice dish made with basmati rice, vegetables, and a variety of spices.
• Couscous is a versatile and fluffy grain that pairs well with lamb koftas. This tiny semolina pasta can be cooked with various spices and vegetables.
• Yellow rice is a vibrant and aromatic side dish made with basmati rice, turmeric, and various spices.
• Lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious dish made with cooked lentils, vegetables, and spices.
• Persian Rice with Potato Tahdig is a traditional Persian dish that requires an overnight soak before being steamed over low heat for an hour.

Other Sides

• Falafel, especially beetroot falafel, is a colourful, easy-to-prepare, and super-healthy option.
• Dolma (or stuffed vine leaves) are filled with tasty ingredients like rice, mint, and pine nuts, and can be served hot or cold.
• French fries might not be the most authentic option, but they're a crowd-pleaser!

How to make lamb kofta

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make lamb koftas:

• Ground lamb
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, coriander, mint)
• Spices (cumin, cinnamon, paprika, coriander, allspice, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, chilli flakes)
• Salt
• Breadcrumbs
• Olive oil
• Pine nuts (optional)

Method

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• Prepare the seasoning by mixing together the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and spices in a large bowl.
• Add the ground lamb to the seasoning mixture and combine until just blended. Be careful not to overmix the meat as this can make the koftas tough.
• Divide the meat mixture into equal sections and mould them around the skewers. Each skewer should have 2 sections of meat, about 1-2 inches apart.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
• Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-6 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Allow the lamb koftas to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Lamb koftas can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions:

• Serve on a skewer with a dipping sauce such as tzatziki, tahini, or hummus.
• Slide the koftas off the skewer and serve in pita bread or flatbread with yogurt sauce, hummus, and a salad.
• Remove the skewers and serve the koftas as bite-sized chunks with grilled vegetables, rice, or a side salad.

How to prevent lamb kofta from sticking to the BBQ

To prevent lamb kofta from sticking to the BBQ, you can take several precautions. Firstly, ensure that your grill is very hot before placing the koftas on it. You should be able to hold your hand over the grill for just three seconds. Then, scrub the grill with a wire brush to remove any old food debris.

Next, oil your grill grates. You can do this by soaking a paper towel in olive oil, holding it with a pair of tongs, and rubbing it over the grill grates. You can also oil the koftas themselves by brushing them with oil. If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading the kofta meat onto them. This will prevent the skewers from catching fire.

When it comes to cooking the koftas, be patient and only attempt to flip them when they are ready. If the meat sticks to the grill, it is not yet ready to be flipped. Lamb koftas typically take around 6 minutes to cook on a BBQ over medium-high heat, but this can vary depending on their thickness.

Frequently asked questions