If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, vibrant herbs, and a little kick of heat, the Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini and Tzatziki Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines juicy, well-spiced beef kebabs with the creamy richness of tahini sauce and the refreshing coolness of homemade tzatziki. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that dance together beautifully on your palate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish promises satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients ensures every mouthful is packed with authentic taste and just the perfect balance of spices. Each component plays an essential role, from the fragrant fresh herbs that brighten the beef to the creamy sauces that bring everything together with texture and zing.
- 500 g ground beef: The hearty base, flavorful and juicy for that perfect kefta texture.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to keep the meat tender.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a pungent, savory depth that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Provides freshness and a subtle herbaceous note.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped: Introduces a cooling balance to the spiciness of the meat.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds warm, earthy aroma that’s fundamental in Armenian cuisine.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a smoky undertone enhancing the grilled flavor.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Surprises with a hint of subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper: The heat factor – adjust it according to your preferred spice level.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that balances all flavors perfectly.
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water: Prevents burning during grilling and helps shape the kefta.
- Tahini Sauce Ingredients: 1/3 cup tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/4 cup water, Salt to taste – creamy and nutty sauce that complements the spicy beef.
- Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients: 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cucumber grated and drained, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped, 1 tbsp lemon juice, Salt and pepper – cool, herby, and refreshing.
- Pita bread or flatbreads: Perfect vehicles for scooping up these rich and flavorful kefta.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a bright final touch of color and freshness.
How to Make Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini and Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by combining your ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and the fresh herbs—parsley and mint. These ingredients don’t just add flavor but also keep the meat moist and tender. Then, sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures that the spices are evenly distributed, which is crucial for that consistent spicy, aromatic bite you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Shape the Kefta onto Skewers
Divide the seasoned beef mix into eight equal parts, then shape each portion around soaked wooden skewers. An elongated sausage form helps the meat cook evenly and gives them that traditional kefta appearance. Soaking the skewers beforehand prevents them from burning on the grill and makes handling easier.
Step 3: Grill the Kefta to Perfection
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook the kefta for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice char, which means caramelized spices and juicy inside. The aroma at this stage will make your kitchen feel like a bustling Armenian street market, filled with rich, inviting scents.
Step 4: Whip Up the Tahini Sauce
While the meat cooks, mix tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water until you achieve a smooth sauce with your desired thickness. This nutty, creamy sauce with a hint of brightness is the perfect balance to the spiced kefta.
Step 5: Prepare the Refreshing Tzatziki
Combine Greek yogurt with grated, drained cucumber, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The result is a cooling, tangy sauce that lightens the meal and adds another dimension of flavor. Chill it until the kefta are ready to serve, so it’s nice and cold.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Serve your spicy beef kefta hot from the grill, accompanied by warm pita bread or flatbreads. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce and spoon on the tzatziki. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish that makes each plate look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini and Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must-have garnish, bringing a punch of color and brightness that cuts through the rich meat and sauces. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of sumac for extra tang and a little ornamental flair.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, roasted vegetables, or even fragrant rice pilaf. Each side adds complementary textures and balances the richness of the kefta and sauces, rounding out a truly satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and interactive twist, serve the kefta with an array of dipping sauces, chopped fresh herbs, and colorful vegetable sticks. Guests can build their own wraps or bowls. Alternatively, turn it into a festive platter with grilled flatbreads, pickled vegetables, and olives to highlight the dish’s Mediterranean influences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover kefta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tahini and tzatziki sauces separate to preserve their textures and freshness. This makes for a quick and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini and Tzatziki Recipe ready for later, freeze the cooked kefta in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the kefta gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep them juicy. Serve with freshly made or chilled sauces for maximum flavor and contrast.
FAQs
Can I use lamb instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Lamb is a fantastic alternative that’s traditional in many Armenian kefta recipes. It adds a slightly deeper, richer flavor and works perfectly with the spices and sauces in this recipe.
How spicy is the Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini and Tzatziki Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust it to your liking—reduce the cayenne for milder flavor or add a pinch more if you like things hotter.
Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking prevents the skewers from burning on the grill and helps to keep the delicate kefta intact while cooking.
Can I make the sauces ahead of time?
Definitely! Both tahini and tzatziki can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, letting tzatziki rest allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No problem! You can cook the kefta under a broiler or in a hot oven on a baking sheet to get a nice char. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini and Tzatziki Recipe is a passionate celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. It’s straightforward to make, yet special enough to serve for any occasion. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it and savor those delicious layers of spice, herb, and tangy creaminess. It might just become one of your favorite go-to recipes for family dinners or entertaining guests!
Print
Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini and Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Armenian
Description
This Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta recipe features flavorful ground beef mixed with aromatic herbs and spices, grilled to perfection and served alongside creamy tahini and refreshing tzatziki sauces. Perfect for a quick and delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal, these skewered meat patties bring together smoky, spicy, and tangy elements for a balanced and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Tahini Sauce
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
- Salt to taste
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Kefta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mint, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated, ensuring the spices and herbs are well distributed throughout the meat.
- Shape the Kefta: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Take each portion and mold it around the soaked wooden skewers into elongated sausage-like shapes, pressing firmly so they hold their form during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot before placing the kefta to achieve a good char and even cooking.
- Grill the Kefta: Place the skewers on the grill and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, turning carefully to avoid breaking. Grill until the beef is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior, indicating optimal flavor development.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: While the kefta is grilling, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the water quantity to achieve your preferred consistency for drizzling.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In another bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until serving to let the flavors meld and the sauce chill.
- Serve: Serve the hot, grilled beef kefta with pita bread or flatbreads. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce, add a side of chilled tzatziki, and garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternative cooking methods.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- Drain the grated cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
- For gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free flatbreads or avoid bread altogether.
- Leftover kefta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
