Print

Juicy Middle Eastern Kebabs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

These Juicy Middle Eastern Kebabs combine a flavorful blend of ground beef and lamb with aromatic herbs and traditional spices to create tender, juicy skewers perfect for grilling. Marinated with fresh parsley, garlic, onions, and a secret ingredient—baking soda—these kebabs retain moisture and deliver an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine. Ideal for outdoor BBQs or a cozy stovetop grill pan cook, they make a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 pound Ground Beef (80 lean / 20 fat)
  • 1 pound Ground Lamb (or substitute with all beef)

Herbs & Aromatics

  • ½ bunch Parsley, chopped
  • 4 Garlic Cloves, chopped
  • ½ Yellow Onion

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 1 tablespoon 7 spices
  • ½ tablespoon Coriander Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Sumac
  • ½ tablespoon Aleppo Pepper
  • ¼ tablespoon Black Pepper
  • 2–3 teaspoons Salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda (secret ingredient)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Herbs and Garlic: Chop the parsley and garlic cloves finely or pulse them in a food processor until minced. Add this mixture to the ground meat.
  2. Prepare Onion: Process the yellow onion separately in the food processor. Then place the processed onion on a paper towel and squeeze out the excess liquid, reserving this liquid for later use. Add the chopped onion to the meat mixture.
  3. Add Spices and Mix: Add garlic powder, onion powder, 7 spices, coriander powder, sumac, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, salt, and baking soda to the meat mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The baking soda will help the kebabs stay juicy.
  4. Chill the Mixture: Cover the meat mixture and place it in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until cold. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and makes the mixture easier to shape.
  5. Shape Kebabs: Using your hands, form the meat mixture around skewers, shaping them firmly. Before grilling, brush the kebabs lightly with some of the reserved onion liquid to enhance flavor and moisture.
  6. Grill the Kebabs: Place the skewers on a preheated grill set to medium-low heat. Cook the kebabs turning occasionally until they are cooked through and evenly browned, usually about 10-12 minutes total depending on thickness.
  7. Optional Flavor Boost: For extra richness, brush the kebabs with melted butter or ghee before grilling.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove kebabs from grill and serve hot with your choice of sides such as rice, salad, or flatbread.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze out excess onion liquid but reserve it to brush on the kebabs before grilling for added flavor and moisture.
  • Adjust salt quantity based on your taste preference, starting with less and adding more if needed.
  • Baking soda is a key ingredient to keep the meat tender and juicy; do not skip it.
  • Using a mix of ground beef and lamb gives authentic flavor but you can use all beef if preferred.
  • Grill on medium-low heat to prevent the kebabs from burning while ensuring they cook through evenly.
  • Optionally brush with melted ghee or butter for an extra layer of flavor during grilling.

Keywords: Middle Eastern Kebabs, Grilled Kebabs, Ground Lamb Kebabs, Ground Beef Kebabs, Juicy Kebabs, Spiced Kebabs, BBQ Kebabs

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/juicy-middle-eastern-kebabs-recipe/