There’s something deeply satisfying about making kofte from scratch — the aroma of spices, the sizzle over hot coals, and that first juicy, flavour-packed bite. At The Kebab Club, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of kofte, and we’re sharing our top tips to help you master it at home.
1. Season it Right
For unbeatable flavour, we recommend using 1 teaspoon of our Kofte Dry Rub per 150g of mince. Our dry rub is a bold blend of cumin, pul biber (Aleppo pepper), and a mix of traditional herbs and spices designed to enhance the natural richness of lamb. It’s everything you need for authentic kofte in one pot.
2. Choose the Right Mince
The secret to juicy kofte is fat — so don’t shy away from it. Choose high-fat lamb mince (around 20% fat) for the best results, you cna also do a lamb & beef mix if your prefer. This will give your kofte that delicious, succulent texture that holds up perfectly on the grill.
3. Get Hands-On
Thoroughly mix the mince and spices by hand until everything is fully combined and slightly sticky. This helps the kofte hold its shape and ensures the flavours are evenly distributed.
4. Wet Hands, Flat Skewers
Shaping kofte can be fiddly, so keep a bowl of water nearby and wet your hands before shaping to stop the mixture sticking. Use flat metal skewers to help prevent the kofte from spinning on the grill. Aim for an even thickness all the way along to ensure even cooking.
Tip: Don’t have skewers? A steel BBQ basket works brilliantly and makes turning easy.
5. Coal Control
Kofte is high in fat, so be patient and make sure your charcoal is fully lit and has turned white before you start cooking. If the coals are too hot or not ready, the fat can catch quickly and cause flare-ups.
6. Lightly Oil the Grill
Brush your grill very lightly with oil before cooking to prevent sticking — especially important if you’re not using a basket.
7. Flip Once
Kofte loves to be left alone. Ideally, turn it only once during cooking. This helps it develop a delicious crust and keeps it intact. Let the grill do the work!
8. Serve It Right
Kofte deserves the best company. We love serving it with a generous drizzle of our Turkish Chilli Sauce and Garlic Sauce, plus a big spoonful of herby, pickly salad. It’s the perfect contrast to the rich meat — fresh, zingy and addictive.
Ready to give it a go? Tag us in your kofte creations @thekebabclub — we love seeing what you're grilling. And if you haven’t tried our Kofte Dry Rub yet, now’s the time!
Happy grilling! 🔥
