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Discover the magic of a Juicy Oven-Baked Kebabs Recipe that brings together rich spices, tender ground meat, and vibrant accompaniments all baked to golden perfection. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast that is as easy to prepare as it is irresistible to eat. Whether you’re after a weeknight dinner that feels special or a crowd-pleasing dish, these kebabs deliver juiciness and bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make Juicy Oven-Baked Kebabs Recipe so unforgettable. From aromatic spices to fresh herbs and creamy sauce, every item is essential for the perfect balance.
- 1 kg minced beef or lamb (15–20% fat): The fat content keeps the kebabs moist and flavorful, ensuring juiciness with every bite.
- 1 small brown onion, grated: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to bind the mixture.
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic: Infuses the meat with that classic garlicky punch.
- 1 tbsp ground cumin: Brings earthiness and warmth to the flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp ground coriander: Adds a subtle citrusy note that brightens the meat.
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika: Provides smoky sweetness and rich color.
- 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional): A gentle kick for those who love a touch of heat.
- 2 tsp sea salt flakes: Enhances all the flavors and seasons perfectly.
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a mild heat that complements the spices.
- 3 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley: Offers fresh herbaceous brightness and a pop of green.
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda: Helps keep the meat tender and light.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing: Ensures a golden crispy finish on the kebabs.
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced: For pickling and adding crunch to the dish.
- 1½ tsp sumac: Provides a tangy, lemony edge perfect for the onions.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Adds acidity that lifts the onions and balances richness.
- 1 tsp olive oil: Binds the sumac onions beautifully.
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes: Brings out the natural flavors of the onions.
- 1¼ cups Greek yoghurt: Creates a creamy garlic sauce with cooling effect.
- ½ tsp freshly minced garlic: Adds a sharp garlicky note to the yoghurt.
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice: Brightens and freshens the sauce.
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes: Perfect seasoning for the yoghurt sauce.
- 4–6 flatbreads or pita: Soft, warm carriers to hold all the delicious fillings.
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced: Adds juicy freshness and vibrant color to the plate.
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley: Garnishes the dish with herbaceous fragrance and color contrast.
How to Make Juicy Oven-Baked Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Mixture
Start by combining minced beef or lamb with grated onion, garlic, and a carefully chosen blend of spices including cumin, coriander, paprika, and optional chilli flakes. Add salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and bicarbonate of soda. Knead the mixture firmly with your hands until it becomes sticky and holds together well—this bonding is key to juicy kebabs that don’t crumble during baking.
Step 2: Shaping and Scoring the Kebabs
Line your baking tray with parchment paper and spread the mince mixture into a large rectangle about 1 cm thick. Don’t worry about being too precise, but keep the edges tidy for even cooking. Then cut vertical strips approximately 2–3 cm wide and make shallow horizontal cuts across them. These notches create the classic kebab appearance and help the pieces cook evenly with nicely crisped edges.
Step 3: Baking to Perfection
Brush the shaped kebabs generously with olive oil, which will give the top layer a delightful crust. Place the tray on the top rack of your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Check from the 15-minute mark because oven temperatures and tray thicknesses vary. You can broil for a couple of minutes at the end if you want that extra caramelized touch.
Step 4: Making the Sumac Onions
While the kebabs bake, toss thinly sliced red onions with sumac, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt. This quick pickle brightens the onions’ flavor, adding a tangy crunch that perfectly complements the rich meat. If you’re pressed for time, serving immediately works too, but letting them sit for 5–10 minutes enhances their taste.
Step 5: Preparing the Garlic Yoghurt Sauce
Mix Greek yoghurt with freshly minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning. This creamy sauce provides a refreshing counterpoint to the spices and offers moistness when assembled with the kebabs and flatbreads.
Step 6: Warming the Flatbreads
Heat the flatbreads or pitas in a dry pan or directly over a flame for 20–30 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Warm breads will soak up the juices from the kebabs, creating a satisfying bite when fully assembled.
Step 7: Assembling and Serving
Press the warm flatbreads gently onto the cooked meat to absorb some of the flavorful juices. Separate the kebab strips along the pre-cut lines, then pile them onto or inside the breads. Top generously with the garlic yoghurt, sumac onions, sliced tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Each bite offers layers of texture and bursts of herby, tangy, and savory goodness.
How to Serve Juicy Oven-Baked Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a beautiful pop of green and fresh herb aroma that brightens the entire plate. The sumac onions lend a jewel-like tangy crunch that contrasts the warm, soft kebabs perfectly. Don’t skip the creamy garlic yoghurt sauce—it really brings the whole dish together with a cooling richness.
Side Dishes
Serve these kebabs alongside simple salads, like a cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to add freshness and balance. Roasted vegetables or a warm couscous make fantastic companions, enriching the meal without overpowering the star kebabs.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a casual feast by laying out all components buffet-style and letting everyone build their own kebab wraps. For a plated and elegant touch, arrange kebab strips neatly alongside dollops of garlic yoghurt and summery salads, garnished with herbs and lemon wedges. You can also skewer portions before baking for a more traditional kebab presentation that’s equally juicy and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover kebabs and sauces into airtight containers. Keep refrigerated and consume within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor and texture. Storing kebabs separately from bread prevents sogginess.
Freezing
This Juicy Oven-Baked Kebabs Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooked kebabs tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Freeze the yoghurt sauce separately to preserve its fresh taste.
Reheating
Reheat the kebabs gently in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the meat dry. Warm the flatbreads separately in a pan or toaster. Add fresh yoghurt and pickled onions after reheating for a lively contrast.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef or lamb for this kebab recipe?
You can, but chicken mince is leaner and may not be as juicy as beef or lamb. To help maintain moisture, consider adding a little finely grated onion and maybe a touch more olive oil. Chicken kebabs will still be flavorful but slightly different in texture.
Is it necessary to use bicarbonate of soda in the mixture?
Bicarbonate of soda is a small but clever addition that helps tenderize the meat and makes the kebabs lighter in texture. While not absolutely essential, it’s highly recommended for that perfect bite.
How spicy is this kebab recipe, and can I adjust the heat level?
The spice level is mild to moderate, thanks to optional chilli flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chilli for a kick or omitting it entirely for a milder flavor that everyone can enjoy.
Can I prepare the kebab mixture in advance?
Yes! Prepare the meat mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, covered. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and you can shape and bake your kebabs fresh when ready to cook.
What’s the best way to serve these kebabs for a party?
For gatherings, serve the kebabs sliced into strips with flatbreads, sauces, and sides laid out buffet style. Guests will love customizing their wraps with fresh tomatoes, parsley, and pickled onions for a fun and interactive meal experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making and sharing the Juicy Oven-Baked Kebabs Recipe—it brings bold flavors, juicy meat, and fresh accompaniments together in a dish that’s both simple and special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these kebabs are bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a go and enjoy every savory, spiced, and irresistibly juicy bite!
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Print
Juicy Oven-Baked Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Description
This recipe for Juicy Oven-baked Kebabs features a flavorful blend of minced beef or lamb combined with aromatic spices and herbs, baked to perfection for a juicy and tender texture. Served with tangy sumac onions, creamy garlic yoghurt sauce, fresh tomatoes, and warm flatbreads, these kebabs offer a delicious and satisfying meal with Middle Eastern flair, showcasing a simple yet effective oven-baking method.
Ingredients
For the Kebabs
- 1 kg (2¼ lb) minced (ground) beef or lamb (15–20% fat for best flavour and juiciness)
- 1 small brown onion, grated using a box grater
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
For the Sumac Onions
- 1 small red onion, very finely sliced
- 1½ tsp sumac
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
For the Garlic Yoghurt Sauce
- 1¼ cups (310 g) Greek yoghurt
- ½ tsp freshly minced garlic
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
To Serve
- 4–6 flatbreads or pita (omit for gluten-free option)
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced into thin wedges or rounds
- ½ cup (15 g) finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 240°C (475°F) or 220°C (425°F) if using fan-forced. This high temperature ensures a perfect bake with beautifully browned edges.
- Make the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the minced beef or lamb with grated onion, garlic, cumin, ground coriander, paprika, optional chilli flakes, sea salt, black pepper, parsley, and bicarbonate of soda. Knead firmly with your hands for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive, which helps the kebabs hold together well during baking.
- Shape onto Tray: Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Press the meat mixture evenly in a large rectangle about 1 cm thick and approximately 30 x 40 cm in size. Keep the edges neat but don’t stress about perfection to allow for natural texture.
- Score and Notch the Meat: Using a bench scraper or metal spatula, cut the meat vertically into strips approximately 2–3 cm wide, slicing completely through to the parchment. Then make shallow horizontal slits across each strip to create the signature kebab pattern that also promotes even cooking and browning.
- Bake the Kebabs: Brush olive oil generously over the top of the kebabs. Place the tray on the top oven rack and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked with slightly crisp edges. Optionally, for an extra caramelized finish, switch your oven to grill (broil) mode for the last 1–2 minutes of baking while carefully watching to avoid burning.
- Prepare the Sumac Onions: While the kebabs bake, mix the finely sliced red onion with sumac, lemon juice, olive oil, and sea salt in a bowl. Toss well to coat and set aside for 5–10 minutes to develop a mild pickle flavor, or serve immediately if short on time.
- Make the Yoghurt Garlic Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yoghurt with freshly minced garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Warm the Flatbreads: Heat flatbreads in a dry frying pan or directly over a gas flame for 20–30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable, making them easier to fold and soak up the kebab juices.
- Assemble and Serve: Press the warm flatbreads onto the cooked kebabs to capture some of the flavorful cooking juices. Separate the strips along the scored lines and serve on or inside the flatbreads. Garnish with spoonfuls of garlic yoghurt sauce, a generous pile of sumac onions, sliced tomatoes, and chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute beef or lamb with minced chicken, but be aware it may be less juicy.
- Using baking soda in the meat mix helps tenderize the protein and improve moisture retention.
- Sumac is a tart, lemony spice common in Middle Eastern cooking—if unavailable, substitute with a mild lemon zest or omit.
- For grilling or air frying alternatives, cook kebab strips on a grill or air fryer at high heat for similar timing until browned and cooked through.
