MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE MEATBALLS

There’s something magical about the aroma of spices sizzling in a pan. Middle Eastern cuisine is all about bold flavors, fragrant herbs, and a perfect balance of spices—and nothing captures that better than juicy meatballs or savory patties. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or entertaining friends, these flavorful bites are guaranteed to impress.

MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE MEATBALLS, often called kafta, kofta, or simply spiced meat patties, are versatile and packed with flavor. They can be baked, grilled, or pan-fried and work perfectly with rice, flatbreads, salads, or even as a standalone meal. The combination of ground meat, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices makes every bite a little explosion of taste.

Ground meat: Beef, lamb, chicken, or a mix—choose what you like best.

Fresh herbs: Parsley and mint are classic, adding brightness.

Spices: Ground cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves give the meatballs that signature Middle Eastern warmth.

Onions & garlic: For depth and savoriness.

For a quicker, hands-off method, bake in a 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked. Grilling tends to yield a juicier, more flavorful finish, but baking is convenient for busy nights.

If you do not own a grill, you can heat a little butter or ghee or tallow in a skillet and cook patties until browned and cooked through—perfect if you love a crispy exterior.

Serve your meatballs or patties with:

Warm pita bread and hummus

Tabbouleh or fattoush salad

Rice pilaf or roasted vegetables

A drizzle of yogurt sauce or tahini for extra creaminess

COOKING TIPS:

Don’t overmix the meat (it keeps the texture tender), and chill the mixture briefly before forming meatballs for easier shaping.

Test-cook one piece first to adjust seasoning or cooking time.

Middle Eastern meatballs and patties are more than just food—they’re a celebration of spices, herbs, and shared meals. Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, experimenting with different meats and spice combinations.

Whether grilled, baked, or pan-fried, these juicy, flavorful bites bring the heart of Middle Eastern cooking right to your table.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Keyword: juicy grilled meatballs, Middle Eastern cuisine, middle eastern style meatballs, spices and herbs meatballs, very flavorful meat

Servings: servings

Calories: 767kcal

Ingredients

SPICE PASTE

¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground cloves or 1 whole clove bud
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
2 large onions
4 garlic
1 bunch parsley

KOFTA MIXTURE

2 lbs ground beef
1 TBSP butter softened
2 TBSP cold water
2 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

SIMPLE YOGURT SAUCE

1 cup yogurt
1 clove garlic grated
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

SIMPLE SALAD

2 cup cucumber diced
1 cup tomato diced
¼ cup onion diced
¼ cup parsley diced
3 TBSP olive oil
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

SPICE PASTE

In a small frying pan, add all the dry spices together, stir, and toast for 3–5 minutes until aromatic. Take off the heat and let cool for about 2 minutes. Transfer the cooled spices to a blender and process until finely ground.
Add the onion, garlic, and parsley, then blend into a smooth, uniform paste.

MIX AND COOK

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, cold water, softened butter, salt, pepper, and spice paste and mix thoroughly.
Lightly wet your hands with cold water. This helps prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. Use a spoon or your hands to portion out the meat, about 1.5-2 inches in diameter; aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
Gently roll each portion between your palms in a circular motion until smooth and evenly shaped. You can give a meatball a little press if you want to make a patty. (Patties cook faster and develop more browning on the surface but meatballs tend to be a little juicier.)
Arrange the meatballs on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between them so they don’t stick together.
Preheat your BBQ or cast-iron grill pan. Grill the meatballs 2–3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.
Serve while hot with a side of yogurt sauce and a simple salad.

SIMPLE YOGURT SAUCE

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.

SIMPLE SALAD

Add cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley to a salad bowl. Season with salt, ground black pepper, and olive oil. Mix.

Video

Notes

Nutrition