Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki
Fragrant spiced ground lamb shaped into easy skewered logs, grilled until juicy with a smoky char. Paired with a cool, garlicky tzatziki sauce made from thick yogurt, crisp shredded cucumber, and fresh dill. A Greek-inspired favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Soak the skewers.
1.If using wooden skewers, soak 8 skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.2.Lightly oil the grill grate and preheat to medium-high heat. - prep · ~5 min
Prepare the cucumber for tzatziki.
Grate the cucumber half onto a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, let sit for 5 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
TIPSqueezing out the cucumber water keeps your tzatziki thick and creamy rather than watery. - mix · ~2 min
Mix the tzatziki sauce.
1.In a bowl, combine the yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice.2.Season with a pinch of salt and stir well. Cover and refrigerate until serving. - mix · ~2 min
Make the lamb kofta mixture.
1.In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoon salt.2.Use your hands to mix until the spices and herbs are evenly distributed. Do not overwork.TIPA light touch keeps the kofta tender; over-mixing makes the meat tough. - assemble · ~3 min
Shape the kofta onto skewers.
Divide the lamb mixture into 8 equal portions. Mold each portion into a long log shape around the top half of a skewer, pinching firmly so it sticks.
- grill · ~7 min
Grill the kofta skewers.
1.Place skewers on the preheated, lightly oiled grill.2.Cook for 3 minutes, turn, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes for medium doneness.3.Kofta should be nicely charred on the outside and just cooked through inside.TIPAvoid pressing down on the kofta, which squeezes out the juices and dries the meat. - serve · ~2 min
Rest briefly and serve.
Let the skewers rest for 2 minutes. Serve the hot lamb kofta with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Grate the onion directly into a bowl to catch juices, then squeeze and discard excess liquid to prevent kofta from falling apart.
- 2Wet your hands slightly with cold water before shaping the kofta — it prevents sticking and keeps the meat tender.
- 3For even cooking, shape each kofta log into an oval or flat oblong, not a perfect round cylinder.
- 4Let the shaped skewers rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before grilling to help them hold their shape.
- 5Use a wide metal spatula to flip the skewers rather than tongs — tongs can squeeze and break the kofta.
- 6Make the tzatziki at least 30 minutes ahead so the flavors meld; it thickens as it chills.
- 7If grilling, trim any dripping fat from the skewer ends to avoid flare-ups.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicken Kofta
Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the lamb. Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger and a pinch of cayenne for a lighter, leaner version that still holds up on the grill.
Low OilLow-Oil
Cook the kofta under a broiler or on a nonstick grill pan instead of a greased outdoor grill. The lamb's own fat renders sufficiently to keep them juicy without added oil.
Dairy Free TzatzikiDairy-Free Tzatziki
Replace the Greek yogurt with a thick coconut yogurt or cashew-based alternative. Use a dash of apple cider vinegar in place of lemon juice for tang.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in High-Quality Protein
Ground lamb provides a complete protein source essential for muscle repair and satiety, especially when paired with the protein from Greek yogurt.
Probiotic Boost from Yogurt
The live cultures in Greek yogurt support gut health and digestion — a natural probiotic in every spoonful of tzatziki.
Fresh Herbs and Garlic
Parsley, mint, dill, and garlic are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that add flavor without extra salt or fat.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Shape the mixture into small meatballs or flat patties and cook them on the grill or in a skillet. Adjust cooking time to 2–3 minutes per side for patties.
