Beef kofta wraps are one of those dishes that instantly transport you to the bustling streets of the Middle East—sizzling skewers on the grill, warm flatbreads being tossed on open flames, and the air rich with spices. This recipe is a flavor-packed twist on traditional beef kofta, wrapped up with fresh veggies and a tangy yogurt sauce. Whether you're a fan of kofte recipes from Turkey, beef kafta kabob recipe styles from Lebanon, or even looking for the best kofta recipe to start with, this version brings those bold, juicy flavors straight to your kitchen.
Middle Eastern Beef Kofta Wraps
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 27 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Grill or grill pan Traditional grilling gives that classic char, but a cast iron grill pan works great for stovetop cooking.
Mixing bowls For combining the kofta mixture and sauce ingredients.
Box grater or food processor To finely grate the onion for the kofta.
Spatula or tongs For flipping koftas on the grill.
Knife and Cutting Board For prepping veggies and herbs.
For the beef kofta
- 1 lb ground beef 85% lean for best flavor and moisture
- 1 small onion finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the wraps
- 4 large flatbreads or pita
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup pickled turnips or pickled red onions optional but highly recommended
For the yogurt sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 table spoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic grated
- Salt to taste
Prepare the kofta mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until evenly combined, but don’t overmix.
Shape the koftas
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a small oval or log, about 3 inches long.
Cook the kofta
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan. Cook the koftas for about 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Make the yogurt sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Adjust lemon or salt to taste.
Assemble the wraps
Warm the flatbreads. Spread a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce on each, then add lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, pickles, and 2 koftas. Drizzle with more yogurt sauce and wrap tightly.
Serve
Cut in half for easy handling and serve warm, ideally with extra yogurt sauce on the side.
Pairings in Detail
These wraps go beautifully with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, hummus and pita chips, or a fresh fattoush salad. For drinks, try pairing them with a glass of iced mint tea, pomegranate juice, or a crisp lager. If you’re going all in, a side of mujaddara (lentils and rice with caramelized onions) makes a hearty meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use lamb instead of beef?
Absolutely! This is originally a lamb kofta recipe in many regions. Ground lamb brings a richer, more traditional flavor. For those seeking a lamb koftas experience, just swap beef for lamb 1:1.
2. What kind of beef should I use?
Use 80–85% lean ground beef for the juiciest results. Too lean, and your koftas might dry out.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! While this is a beef kofta recipe, there are some great kofta recipe vegetarian options. You can substitute the meat mixture with mashed chickpeas or lentils with spices, or even try a paneer kofta recipe version if you want something hearty and cheesy.
4. Can I turn this into a curry dish?
You can! If you're leaning toward a kofta curry recipe, shape the kofta into balls and simmer in a spiced tomato-based curry sauce instead of grilling them.
5. Is this the same as beef kafta?
Pretty much! Beef kafta and beef kofta are often used interchangeably depending on regional dialects. This recipe draws inspiration from both, similar to a beef kafta kabob recipe but served wrap-style.
6. What are other types of kofta?
There’s a whole world of kofta—from the spiced Greek kofta recipe versions to Indian-style beef recipes Indian food lovers adore, like chicken kofta recipe or lamb kofta curry. This wrap recipe is just the beginning if you're exploring the best kofta recipe options.
