Can I make beef kofta kebab with rice in the oven?

Yes! If you do not have a grill or prefer to stay inside, you can bake the kebabs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the shaped meat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning them halfway through to get an even brown color. While they won't have the smoky charred flavor of a grill, they will still be very delicious and tender.

What if I don't have skewers?

No skewers? No problem! You can simply shape the meat into small oval patties or cylinders and cook them directly in a skillet. This is actually a very common way to serve kofta in many households. It saves time and ensures the meat has plenty of contact with the hot pan for a beautiful crust.

What is the best way to keep the rice from sticking?

The secret to perfect rice for your beef kofta kebab with rice is washing the grains. Rinsing the rice under cold water removes the excess surface starch that causes clumping. Also, avoid stirring the rice while it is simmering. Once the water is absorbed, fluff it gently with a fork rather than a spoon to keep the grains intact.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

You certainly can. While beef is traditional, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just be aware that poultry is leaner than beef, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture to prevent it from becoming too dry during the cooking process.

Authentic Beef Kofta Kebab With Rice Recipe & Cooking

Name: Beef Kofta Kebab with Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85% lean); 1 small yellow onion, grated and drained; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1.5 cups Basmati rice; 3 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 small yellow onion, grated and drained
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1.5 cups Basmati rice
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the rice: Rinse rice thoroughly and simmer in beef broth for 15-18 minutes until tender.
Combine meat mixture: In a large bowl, mix beef, onion, garlic, parsley, and all spices until well combined.
Shape the kebabs: Mold portions of the meat into long cylinders around soaked wooden or metal skewers.
Heat the grill: Lightly grease a grill pan or outdoor grill and heat to medium-high.
Cook the kofta: Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.
Rest the meat: Allow the beef koftas to rest for 5 minutes to ensure maximum juiciness.
Fluff the rice: Use a fork to fluff the aromatic rice and place on a serving platter.
Assemble and serve: Arrange the beef skewers over the rice and garnish with extra fresh herbs.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Author: Mike
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: High Protein

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer with 3/4 cup rice
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Beef Kofta, Kebab, Rice Pilaf, Middle Eastern Food, Spiced Beef