Spicy Cilantro Beef Koftas
Elevate your dinner experience with these Spicy Cilantro Beef Koftas, a delightful fusion inspired by traditional Middle Eastern and Indian flavors. This recipe takes classic kofta to a new level by incorporating ground beef, fresh herbs, and bold spices. The star of the dish is the finely chopped cilantro that adds a refreshing twist alongside the heat from cayenne pepper and ground black pepper. These juicy meatballs are perfect for simmering in a rich sauce, stuffing inside warm pita bread, or simply serving with your favorite dipping condiments. With options to personalize your servings, whether drizzled with teriyaki sauce or served alongside a zesty cucumber-yogurt sauce, these koftas will be sure to impress. Pair them with a light salad for a complete meal, and don't forget to save room for dessert!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
Onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
Potato
1 medium (peeled and grated)
Cilantro
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Garlic
1-4 cloves (finely chopped)
Bell pepper
1/2 (optional, finely chopped)
Egg
1 (none)
Teriyaki sauce or Soy sauce
3 teaspoons (none)
Ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Cayenne pepper
to taste (none)
Garlic salt or Seasoning salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, grated potato, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, optional chopped bell pepper, egg, and teriyaki or soy sauce. Season the mixture with ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic or seasoning salt to your preference.
3
Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well-blended.
4
Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and arrange them on an ungreased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
6
Once baked, serve the koftas hot with your choice of condiments or in pita bread with a cucumber-yogurt sauce or teriyaki glaze.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Cilantro Beef Koftas?
Spicy Cilantro Beef Koftas are a fusion dish inspired by Middle Eastern and Indian flavors, consisting of ground beef meatballs mixed with fresh cilantro, grated potato, and bold spices.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used is one pound of lean ground beef.
Why is grated potato added to the koftas?
Grated potato is added to the mixture to provide moisture and act as a binder, ensuring the meatballs stay juicy while baking.
How much cilantro is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the recipe includes cayenne pepper and ground black pepper to provide a spicy kick.
Can I adjust the heat level of the koftas?
Absolutely; you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your personal spice preference.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the koftas need to bake?
The koftas should bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
Are these meatballs fried or baked?
These meatballs are baked on an ungreased baking sheet in the oven.
What size should I shape the koftas?
The mixture should be shaped into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
Is there an egg in this recipe?
Yes, one egg is used to help bind the beef and vegetable mixture together.
Can I use soy sauce instead of teriyaki sauce?
Yes, you can use either 3 teaspoons of teriyaki sauce or soy sauce depending on your flavor preference.
What optional vegetable can be added to the mix?
You can add 1/2 of a finely chopped bell pepper for extra flavor and texture.
How should I serve the Spicy Cilantro Beef Koftas?
They can be served hot with condiments, inside warm pita bread, or drizzled with a teriyaki glaze or cucumber-yogurt sauce.
Are these koftas gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free tamari or soy sauce, as the other main ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape the balls ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.
What kind of garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 to 4 cloves of finely chopped fresh garlic.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor profile and fat content will vary.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is family-friendly, though you may want to reduce the cayenne pepper if cooking for children who are sensitive to spice.
What side dishes pair well with koftas?
They pair well with light salads, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking sheet.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
One medium onion, finely chopped, is recommended.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is highly recommended for this recipe as it is a star ingredient; dried cilantro will not provide the same flavor or texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 11 main ingredients including seasonings.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
What is the origin of koftas?
Koftas are traditional meatball or meatloaf dishes found in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Balkan cuisines.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked koftas for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.
What seasoning salts are recommended?
You can use garlic salt or any standard seasoning salt to your preference.
What is the texture of these koftas?
The combination of lean beef, grated potato, and egg results in a tender and juicy meatball.