Juicy Middle Eastern Kebabs emanate strong Mediterranean flavors with their aromatic spices. A recipe that will have you and your loved ones on meat lovers cloud nine.
Garlic powder, onion powder, 7 spices, coriander powder, and sumac, are just a few of the spices that I mix in with the beef to create this appetizing juicy kebab. Serve over rice, with French fries, or with a side salad and you’ve got a simple yet filling lunch!
A Succulent Beef Kebab Skewer!
Kebab (also called Kebob, Kabab, Kepab, or Seekh Kebab) is originally an Arabic word that means grilled meat. Historically speaking, some say that this dish has strong roots in ancient Persian cuisine. Nevertheless, others claim that it goes back to the Medieval era where Turkish soldiers used to grill what they could hunt during wartime.
Whatever the story behind kebabs, it is popular far and wide in the Arab world. Palestinian Kebab is quite different than that of the Lebanese, Turkish, Syrian, and other Middle Eastern regions. Moreover, each country makes it in a unique way since it is an easy-to-make recipe!
Why You’d Love Juicy Middle EasternKebabs!
Juicy and delicious beef kebabs are perfect for grilling season! They’re so easy and absolutely mouth-watering. They stay juicy for hours after grilling. Also, all you have to do is combine the ingredients, place on skewer, and grill. Kebabs require minimal time to prepare but have a tasty flavor that keeps you full.
Not only are Juicy Middle Eastern Kebabs highly delicious and recommended, but they are also rich in proteins. It is a kid-friendly meal since kids enjoy eating their food right off the skewer.
They’re also an easy to prep choice to feed large numbers of people. Great for family barbecues, birthday party lunches, or large summer gatherings for dinner!
3 Types of Middle Eastern Kebabs
Shish Kebabs. This is usually done during barbecue season by grilling beef pieces on skewers. Usually, the meat, lamb or beef, takes a cube shape on the skewer. The meat is tender yet leaner.
Doner Kebabs. It can be beef kebabs, chicken, or lamb that you can roast on a vertical rotating spit. This Turkish dish is cooked on a vertical rotisserie which keeps the thin slices of meat moist and delicious.
Chapli Kebab. This dish is basically a fried Kebab. This Pakistani dish uses minced meat or ground beef and rice served with crunchy vegetables which serve as a side dish.
3 Ways to Grill Juicy Middle EasternKebabs
Ready for grilling, but you don’t know what to use?! There are three ways to grill your kebabs:
A portable charcoal grill. It is the more traditional way to grill. The best part is the charcoal flavor it gives to the meat for those that enjoy it. If you don’t have coal, then wood chunks can be a great substitute.
An indoor electric grill. If you are an environment-friendly person, then choosing an electric grill is the right choice for you. This allows you to save gas and make zero impact on the environment. In addition, you will have a juicy caramelized Kebab which is equally delicious to the charcoal or gas grill.
Gas grill. When it comes to gas grilling, it is certainly a healthier option compared to charcoal. If you are an outdoor person, you can always use the gas grill in the backyard. It is a safer choice with minimal cleaning up to do afterward. A gas grill can be easier to work in comparison to a charcoal grill and allows you to control the flame better.
Other Creative Skewer Ideas
In addition to beef kebabs, you can be as creative as you want when using a skewer to create fun sides:
Mushrooms and Green Peppers
Red, Yellow, and Green Peppers
Onions and Mushrooms
Tomatoes and Jalapenos
Tips and Tricks
If you prefer kebabs not to be too dry, mix lean and medium ground beef.
When you don’t have skewers or a grill, you can use the stove or an oven to cook the kebabs as patties.
If you’re not using stainless steel skewers, soak wood skewers in water in order to prevent them from getting burnt while grilling.
While you are pressing the kebab on the skewer, put it back in the refrigerator for a couple of minutes. This will prevent the kebab from falling off.
Juicy Middle Eastern Kebabs FAQs
Kebab is not only healthy but also the ultimate choice for athletes post-workout. It’s high in protein and helps restore energy.
Sure, these delicious kebabs can be easily stored in an airtight container for about 5 days.
Yes! Kebabs should have an even size on the skewer. This method allows the grilling process to be cooked at the same time.
Kebabs can be served on pita bread. Also, it can be served with a side dish like salads, pickles, hummus, or tahini dip. It is also delicious with roasted eggplant, rice, and tabbouli.
Whether it is baked, fried, or even grilled, you can always heat up the kebab in the microwave. You can either reheat it on the grill or in the oven for 8 minutes.
Save This Recipe
Ingredients for Middle Eastern Kebabs
Ground Beef/ Kebabs
Ground Lamb
Parsley
Garlic cloves
Onion
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
7 spices
Coriander Powder
Sumac
Aleppo Pepper
Black Pepper
Salt
Baking Soda
Mixing and Grilling
Chop your parsley and garlic or add to a food processor then add to the meat.
Process the onion separately. Then, add it to a paper towel and squeeze out all the liquid, making sure to not throw it out. Add it to the meat, then the spices, and mix.
Don’t skip the baking soda. It helps in retaining moisture.
Place in the fridge for 45min before shaping on the skewer or until cold. When shaping, use the reserved onion liquid to add a little bit of flavor to the beef skewer. Finally, grill on medium-low heat until cooked through, and bon appetite!
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Juicy Middle Eastern Kebabs
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef/ Kebabs (80 lean / 20 fat)
- 1 pound Ground Lamb (or just use beef)
- ½ bunch Parsley
- 4 Garlic Cloves
- ½ Yellow Onion
- 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
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda (Secret Ingredient)
Instructions
- Chop your parsley and garlic or add to a food processor then add to the meat.
- Process the onion separately, then add it to a paper towel and squeeze out all the liquid, making sure to not throw it out. Add it to the meat, then the spices, and mix.
- Don’t skip the baking soda. It helps in retaining moisture.
- Place in the fridge for 45 minutes before shaping on the skewer or until cold. When shaping, use the reserved onion liquid to add a little bit of flavor onto the beef skewer. Grill on medium low heat until cooked through and enjoy.
Notes
- When you don’t have skewers or a grill, you can use the stove or an oven to cook the kebabs as patties.
- If you’re not using stainless steel skewers, soak the wood skewers in water in order to prevent them from getting burnt while grilling.
- While you are pressing the kebab on the skewer, put it back in the refrigerator for a couple of minutes. This will prevent the kebab from falling off.
Loved! Best recipe and the spices were perfect. I have been looking for a while for good mix that could taste the spice and herbs well and I finally found it. I grilled in oven and it was perfect 🙏🏻
Never thought that the secret ingredient😉(baking soda) would make such a big difference!! Kebabs were so juicy and delicious!!! 10/10 for me:)