Spicy Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Sauce
Fire up your grill for these flavorful, juicy lamb kofta, perfect for a weeknight family feast!

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Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground lamb
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pita bread or rice for serving
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, red onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- 3
Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined, but do not overmix.
- 4
Form the mixture into elongated cylindrical shapes, about 1-inch thick and 4-5 inches long, skewering them if desired.
- 5
Grill the kofta for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating frequently, until nicely browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F.
- 6
While the kofta cooks, whisk together the Greek yogurt, chopped mint, and lemon juice for the sauce.
- 7
Remove kofta from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving with the yogurt sauce and pita bread or rice.
Why this recipe works best on a clean grill
A clean grill makes this recipe easier because the grates release food evenly, the heat moves predictably, and old grease does not smoke over the fresh ingredients. When carbon buildup sits on the grate, it can leave bitter flavors, create flare-ups, and make delicate foods stick right when they should sear.
Before cooking, preheat the grill fully, scrape the grate with a bristle-free tool, and lightly oil the surface. If your grill has yellow flames, heavy smoke, stubborn hot spots, or a greasy smell before the food goes on, it may need a deeper cleaning before your next cookout. For more context, read our clean grill benefits guide or request a professional quote from The Grill Guyz.
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