Few dishes capture the soul of Middle Eastern cooking quite like juicy Lebanese kafta kebabs. Simple in ingredients yet deeply aromatic, kafta is a beloved staple across Lebanon and the Levant, enjoyed at family gatherings, street-side grills, and celebratory feasts alike.

Kafta kebabs are made from ground meat mixed with onions, parsley, garlic, and warm spices, then shaped onto skewers and grilled until smoky, tender, and irresistibly juicy. What makes Lebanese kafta special is its balance—nothing overpowers, yet every bite is layered with flavor.

This recipe stays true to traditional Lebanese technique while being approachable for home cooks. Whether cooked on an outdoor grill, stovetop pan, or oven broiler, these kebabs deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

What Is Lebanese Kafta?

Kafta (also spelled kofta or kefta) is a seasoned ground meat mixture common throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Lebanese kafta typically uses beef or a beef–lamb blend, finely chopped parsley, grated onion, and spices like allspice, cinnamon, and black pepper.

Unlike heavily spiced versions from other regions, Lebanese kafta focuses on freshness and meat quality, letting simple aromatics enhance rather than mask the flavor.

Why This Kafta Recipe Works

This juicy Lebanese kafta kebab recipe succeeds because it follows a few key principles:

Finely grated onion adds moisture without chunks
Parsley brings freshness and color
Proper fat ratio keeps kebabs tender
Gentle mixing prevents dense texture
High heat seals in juices quickly

The result is kebabs that stay moist inside with a lightly charred exterior—exactly how kafta should be.

Ingredients for Juicy Lebanese Kafta Kebabs

Ground beef or beef–lamb blend
Onion (finely grated)
Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Olive oil
Ground allspice
Ground cinnamon
Black pepper
Salt

Each ingredient plays a functional role. Onion provides moisture, parsley brightens the richness of the meat, and warm spices give kafta its signature Lebanese aroma.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground meat with grated onion and chopped parsley.
Add minced garlic, olive oil, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
Gently mix until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.
Divide mixture evenly and shape onto skewers or into oval patties.
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill kafta kebabs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.
Rest briefly before serving to retain juices.

Grilling vs Pan-Cooking vs Oven

Grilling:
Delivers the most authentic smoky flavor. Best choice when available.

Stovetop Pan:
Ideal for apartments. Use a cast iron pan for best browning.

Oven Broiler:
Great for batch cooking. Broil close to heat and rotate for even color.

No matter the method, high heat and short cooking time are key to juicy kafta.

Common Kafta Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat, which causes toughness
Using lean meat with no fat
Skipping the resting step
Cooking on low heat
Using large onion chunks instead of grated onion

Small details make a big difference with simple recipes like kafta.

Serving Suggestions

Lebanese kafta kebabs are incredibly versatile:

Wrapped in warm pita with garlic sauce
Served with hummus, tabbouleh, and rice
Paired with roasted vegetables
Served alongside yogurt or tahini sauce
Added to mezze platters for gatherings

They work beautifully for casual meals or formal spreads.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Kafta mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated. Cooked kebabs store well for 3 days and reheat gently without drying out.

They also freeze well, making them excellent for meal prep.

Cultural Context

In Lebanese homes, kafta is often associated with togetherness. It’s common for families to gather around the grill, shaping kebabs by hand and serving them fresh with bread and salads. The simplicity of kafta reflects Lebanese cuisine’s philosophy: quality ingredients, treated with respect.

Final Thoughts

Juicy Lebanese kafta kebabs are proof that simple food can be extraordinary. With minimal ingredients and straightforward technique, this recipe delivers bold flavor, tender texture, and authentic Middle Eastern character every single time.