Hey there, food lovers! If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern flavors and love kabobs but don’t have a grill, I’ve got a great recipe for you. These Homemade Kabobs and Garlicky Sauce Recipe are juicy, flavorful, and can easily be cooked in a pan right at home! Of course, they’re even better if you have a grill, especially charcoal (it gives them that smoky flavor), but no worries if you don’t these still turn out amazing! Whether you’re enjoying them in a pita, on top of rice, or just as they are, these kabobs are sure to satisfy your taste buds. And don’t forget the garlicky sauce to dip them in it’s the perfect creamy complement!
Method (Detailed)
To start making your Homemade Kabobs, begin by mixing the ground beef and lamb in a large bowl. Add the seasonings: paprika, Aleppo pepper (or chili flakes), turmeric, coriander powder, cumin, and cinnamon. Then, finely mince the garlic and add it to the meat mixture. Also, finely dice the red bell pepper and add it, along with the chopped fresh parsley, fresh mint, crushed toasted walnuts, and the optional Serrano or jalapeno pepper. Finally, season with salt and cracked pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the meat is evenly coated with the spices and the ingredients are well combined.
Next, it’s time to shape the kabobs. Wet your hands with a bit of water to prevent the meat from sticking, and then shape the mixture into logs, patties, or whatever shape you prefer for your kabobs. If you’re using skewers, you can thread the kabobs onto them, or you can leave them as patties for easier cooking.
For cooking the kabobs, heat a skillet over medium-high heat or prepare your grill. If using a grill, cook the kabobs on medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they’re fully cooked and have a nice char. If you’re cooking in a skillet, pan-fry the kabobs for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. You can check for doneness by slicing one open to make sure it’s cooked all the way through.
While the kabobs are cooking, make the garlicky sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayo, sour cream, minced garlic, sumac, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-mixed. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor if needed.
Once the kabobs are cooked to perfection, plate them up and sprinkle them with extra sumac and fresh parsley for a pop of flavor and color. Serve the kabobs with the garlicky sauce on the side. These kabobs are great served with pita, rice, or a low-carb rice alternative like cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
This method ensures that the kabobs are full of flavor, juicy, and perfectly cooked, while the garlicky sauce provides a creamy, tangy complement that brings everything together. Enjoy your Middle Eastern-inspired meal with friends or family!
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or grill pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for the sauce
- Skewers (if grilling)
Homemade Kabobs and Garlicky Sauce Recipe
Cuisine: TurkeyDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes12
minutes27
minutesIngredients
For the Kabobs
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
1/2 lb ground lamb
2 tbsp paprika
2 tsp Aleppo pepper or chili flakes
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cinnamon
4-6 finely minced garlic cloves
1 finely diced small red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup crushed toasted walnuts
1 small Serrano or jalapeno pepper (optional, finely diced)
Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
For the Garlicky Sauce:
2 tbsp mayo
4 tbsp sour cream
3 minced garlic cloves
1/2 tbsp sumac
1 tbsp fresh parsley
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Start by mixing the meat in a large bowl. Add the ground beef and lamb, then season with paprika, Aleppo pepper (or chili flakes), turmeric, coriander powder, cumin, cinnamon, garlic, red bell pepper, parsley, mint, walnuts, and the optional Serrano or jalapeno pepper. Season with salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Mix everything well, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Once the meat is mixed, it’s time to shape the kabobs. Wet your hands with a little water (this helps prevent the meat from sticking) and shape the mixture into logs, patties, or whatever shape you prefer. If you have skewers, you can thread the kabobs onto them or just pan fry them as they are.
- Next, pan-fry the kabobs in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, grill them on medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side until they’re fully cooked and have a nice char. Cook for about 6-8 minutes total, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you’re grilling, it’s great to add a little char for extra flavor.
- While the kabobs are cooking, let’s make the garlicky sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayo, sour cream, minced garlic, sumac, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then give it a good stir until everything is mixed together and smooth.
- Once the kabobs are cooked, plate them up, sprinkle with extra sumac and fresh parsley, and serve with the garlicky sauce on the side. These kabobs are perfect on their own or paired with pita, rice, or a low-carb rice alternative like cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Make sure to mix the meat and seasonings well so the flavors are evenly distributed. This helps ensure every bite is full of flavor!
- When cooking the kabobs, don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re making a lot, cook in batches to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your kabobs, so keep an eye on them and check for doneness before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Homemade Kabobs are amazing on their own, or you can serve them in pita wraps, with a side of rice, or even with a refreshing salad. For a complete meal, serve with your favorite dipping sauces and a side of grilled vegetables.
Fun Fact
Did you know that lamb is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? It’s a great source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, and minerals like iron and zinc. So these kabobs are not just tasty, but also a healthy option!
Conclusion
These Homemade Kabobs and Garlicky Sauce are a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them on the grill or in a pan, they’re juicy, delicious, and packed with Middle Eastern-inspired flavors. Paired with the creamy, garlicky sauce, they’re sure to be a hit at your next meal or BBQ. Enjoy this tasty dish with friends or family, and don’t forget to dive into that creamy sauce!
