The aroma of sizzling lamb koftas straight from the grill is unbeatable. This straightforward lamb kofta recipe yields juicy, well-spiced kebabs packed with flavor. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue, these koftas are always a hit. I like to serve them on flatbreads with whipped feta — the creamy, salty feta perfectly complements the rich, spiced lamb.
Nicky’s Recipe Notes
I’ve made these lamb koftas countless times — they’re a go-to when I want big flavour with minimal fuss. Whether cooked on the barbecue, a griddle pan, or under the grill, they come out juicy and delicious every time.
Pair them with whipped feta for a really special combination. The creamy, salty feta balances the lamb’s richness and adds a bright, tangy note that lifts the dish.
Why I Love This Recipe:
- ✅ Juicy, tender koftas – use lamb mince with around 20% fat for the best texture and flavour.
- ✅ Perfect with whipped feta – creamy and salty for contrast.
- ✅ Easy to stretch – serve with flatbreads, fries, salads and dips to feed more people.
- ✅ Great for prep – ideal for BBQs, quick dinners or entertaining.
- ✅ Adjustable heat – increase or reduce chilli to suit your taste.
Top tip: Wet your hands when shaping the koftas to stop the mixture from sticking. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them first so they don’t burn.
Table of Contents
- Nicky’s Recipe Notes
- 📋 What do we need?
- What do Lamb Koftas taste like?
- 📺 Watch how to make it
- Pro Tip
- Lamb Kofta Kebab Recipe
- 🍽️ What to serve it with
- 🍲 More fantastic Street Food recipes
📋 What do we need?
Kofta Ingredients
🧄 The Kofta spices
Lamb koftas are a Middle Eastern dish with many regional variations. A classic blend of cumin, coriander and mint gives the kofta its distinctive aromatic flavour. Add a little chilli if you prefer some heat.
Whipped Feta Ingredients
What do Lamb Koftas taste like?
Lamb koftas are juicy and savoury with warm spices like cumin and coriander. A touch of mint adds freshness while grilling gives a smoky char. For heat, stir half a teaspoon of chilli flakes into the mixture or sprinkle extra on top when serving.
📺 Watch how to make it
Full recipe with detailed steps is in the recipe card below.
Pro Tip
Let the koftas rest for 2–3 minutes before serving — this keeps them juicy and allows the juices to redistribute.
You can griddle, broil or barbecue these koftas. Allow a good crust to form before turning so they keep their shape and don’t fall apart.
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Lamb Kofta Kebab Recipe
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Ingredients
Lamb Koftas:
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) lamb mince (use 20% fat)
- 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried mint (or 1 tbsp fresh, finely chopped)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
Whipped Feta
- 200 g (7 oz) feta
- 100 g (3½ oz) cream cheese
- 1 small garlic clove, peeled and minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp cold water
To Serve:
- 4 Greek-style flatbreads, warmed
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1 small red onion, peeled and finely sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, quartered
- Small bunch parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges, chopped
Instructions
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Add the lamb, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, mint, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper to a large bowl and mix until combined.
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Divide the mixture into eight portions and mould each portion around wooden or metal skewers to form koftas. If using wooden skewers, soak them first so they don’t burn.
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Brush the koftas with oil. Heat a griddle pan over medium–high heat (or preheat the grill to high). Cook the koftas for 6–7 minutes, turning a few times, until well browned and cooked through.
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While the koftas cook, make the whipped feta. In a small food processor combine feta, cream cheese, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and cold water. Blend until smooth. Add a splash more oil or water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Transfer to a serving dish.
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When cooked, remove the koftas from the heat and rest for 2–3 minutes.
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Serve koftas on warmed flatbreads with whipped feta, chilli flakes, sliced red onion, tomatoes, parsley and lemon wedges.
Video
Notes
Wooden skewers
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Make meatballs
If you prefer, shape the mixture into meatballs and cook on skewers or in a frying pan on the stovetop.
Other cooking methods
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- Under the grill: preheat to high and cook 5–7 minutes, turning 2–3 times until cooked through.
- On the BBQ: cook on oiled grates over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes, turning 2–3 times.
- Oven: bake at 200°C/400°F (fan) for 16–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Stovetop meatballs: cook in an oiled pan over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes, turning 2–3 times.
Nutritional information is approximate, per kofta (excluding flatbreads and whipped feta).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate and should be used as a guide only.
🍽️ What to serve it with
Serve these koftas with:
- Shop-bought or homemade flatbreads
- A simple green salad
- Mint yoghurt, raita or tzatziki as an alternative to whipped feta
- Oven chips or fries for a heartier meal
Yes. You can prepare the koftas ahead and store them covered in the fridge (uncooked). Remove from the fridge and leave covered for 30 minutes to come to room temperature before cooking.
Yes, minced beef can be used. Choose around 20% fat for juiciness.
Yes, the recipe scales easily — doubling the ingredients works well.
You can replace fresh mint with the same quantity of fresh coriander (cilantro).
🍲 More fantastic Street Food recipes
I love recreating favourite street food dishes at home. Here are some other recipes you might enjoy:
Street Food
Easy Chicken Gyros
Asian
Nasi Goreng – Indonesian Fried Rice
Fish
Crispy Fish Tacos with Pico De Gallo
Pork
Pork Carnitas
Street Food
How to make Poutine
Street Food
Grilled Beef Satay
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