Juicy, spiced kofta baked or grilled to perfection and finished with a creamy, nutty tahini sauce—this dish brings together bold Middle Eastern flavors in a simple, satisfying way that’s perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This kofta tahini recipe is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and incredibly versatile. The kofta are tender and aromatic thanks to a blend of spices and herbs, while the tahini sauce adds a rich, tangy finish that ties everything together. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even serving guests. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice, flatbread, or fresh salads.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the kofta:
500 g ground beef or lamb
1 small onion, finely grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the tahini sauce:
1/2 cup tahini
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional garnish:
chopped parsley
toasted pine nuts
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, garlic, parsley, and spices. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
Shape the mixture into small oval or log-shaped kofta, about the size of your palm.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or prepare a grill pan over medium heat. Arrange the kofta on a baking tray or grill and cook for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until fully cooked and nicely browned.
While the kofta are cooking, prepare the tahini sauce. In a bowl, whisk together tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
Once the kofta are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
You can use ground chicken instead of beef or lamb for a lighter version. Adding finely chopped mint or cilantro to the kofta mixture gives a fresh twist. For extra richness, bake the kofta in a tomato sauce before adding the tahini. You can also serve the kofta in pita bread with vegetables for a sandwich-style meal.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tahini sauce separate to maintain freshness.
To reheat, warm the kofta in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. The tahini sauce can be stirred and thinned with a little water if it thickens in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I freeze kofta?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked kofta for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking or reheating.
What type of meat works best?
Ground lamb offers the most traditional flavor, but beef or a mix of both works very well.
Can I cook kofta on the stovetop?
Yes, you can pan-fry them in a bit of oil over medium heat until fully cooked.
Why is my tahini sauce bitter?
Tahini can sometimes be naturally bitter; adding more lemon juice or a pinch of salt helps balance it.
How do I keep kofta from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well combined and not too wet. Letting it rest for a few minutes helps.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
What can I serve with kofta tahini?
Rice, flatbread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are all great options.
Is tahini sauce served hot or cold?
It is usually served at room temperature or slightly cool.
Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes, baking works perfectly and is often more convenient.
How do I make the sauce thinner?
Add water gradually while whisking until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Kofta tahini is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare yet impressive to serve. With its perfectly spiced meat and creamy sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether for a quick dinner or a special meal, it delivers delicious results every time.
