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–+ servings
Turkish şiş köfte (meatball skewers) served on a platter with pide bread, white bean salad topped with boiled eggs, and fresh parsley.
5 from 1 vote

Şiş Köfte (Turkish Meatball Skewers)

By Zerrin & Yusuf
Shish kofte (şiş köfte) is a Turkish kebab made with seasoned ground lamb and beef, shaped onto skewers and cooked until juicy and browned. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for grilling or baking.
Yields: 4 servings
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PREP 20 minutes
COOK 9 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
TOTAL 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS
 

  • 1 slice 40 g / 1.4 oz white or brown bread, crust removed
  • 1 medium onion, pureed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon pul biber, (Turkish red pepper flakes)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar, or lemon juice
  • 500 g / 1.1 lb ground beef, (85% lean / 15% fat)
  • 300 g / 11 oz ground lamb, (80% lean / 20% fat)

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Place the bread in a large bowl. Add the pureed onion, olive oil, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, pul biber, baking soda and vinegar (or lemon juice). Mash everything together well with a fork until you have a mushy mixture.
  • Add the ground beef and ground lamb. Mix with your hands just until everything is well combined. Don’t overmix.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes if you have time. This makes it easier to shape. If not, you can continue with the recipe.
  • Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions, about 60 g (2 oz) each. Shape each portion around a flat metal skewer, gently pressing and spreading the meat along about 18 cm (7 inches) of the skewer. Keep the thickness even and leave some space at both ends. Keep a small bowl of water nearby and dip your fingertips in it whenever the meat starts sticking to them.
  • Preheat the oven grill to 230°C (450°F), or set the broiler to high. Arrange the skewers on a grill pan with a rack, so the meat sits above the pan rather than directly on it. If you don’t have one, place a wire rack over a baking sheet and arrange the skewers across the rack. Place on the top oven rack, close to but not touching the heating bars. Grill for 4 minutes, turn the skewers over, then cook for another 5 minutes, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as broilers might vary in heat and the köfte can brown quickly.
  • Serve hot with your favorite bread or rice pilav and salad.

NOTES

Flat metal skewers work best because they hold the meat securely. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Bake at 220°C (425°F) using the regular oven setting, for about 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.

NUTRITION

Calories: 547kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 37gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 1026mgPotassium: 619mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 403IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Course Dinner
Cuisine Turkish
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