Take your summer grilling to the next level with these Grilled Kofta Burgers, spiced with warm baharat and topped with creamy labneh, pickled red onions, and peppery arugula. Paired with crispy shawarma-spiced fries, this easy, flavor-packed meal is perfect for BBQ season. If you're looking for a Mediterranean-inspired cookout idea that's fresh, vibrant, and totally satisfying—this is it.
What Are Kofta Burgers?
Traditional kofta is a Middle Eastern dish made from spiced ground meat shaped into patties or skewers. In this recipe, we take the classic flavors of kofta—rich beef and fragrant baharat—and give them a backyard BBQ twist by forming them into burger patties, grilled to perfection and topped with cool, tangy Mediterranean-style additions.
Why You'll Love It
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Perfect balance of smoky, creamy, tangy, and fresh
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Can easily be made gluten-free if served without a bun or with gluten-free bread
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Minimal prep and just a few core ingredients
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Easy to scale up for cookouts or gatherings
Ingredients
For the Kofta Burgers:
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
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Salt to taste
Toppings:
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Labneh, whipped feta, or goat cheese
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Pickled red onions
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Fresh arugula
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Toasted buns or pita
For the Shawarma Fries:
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1 lb frozen or homemade fries
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1 tbsp olive oil
How to Make It
1. Prepare the Kofta Burgers
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In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, baharat, and a pinch of salt.
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Form into 3–4 patties and keep them chilled until ready to grill.
2. Grill the Burgers
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Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Grill patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
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Rest for a few minutes after grilling.
3. Season and Cook the Fries
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While the burgers cook, prepare your fries.
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Once crispy, toss hot fries with olive oil and shawarma seasoning. Serve immediately.
4. Assemble the Burgers
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Spread labneh or your preferred cheese on the bun.
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Add the grilled kofta patty, top with pickled red onions and a handful of arugula.
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Serve with a generous side of shawarma fries and lime wedges if desired.
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Serving Suggestions
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Pair with cucumber yogurt salad or grilled veggies
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Add toum (Levantine garlic sauce) for extra punch
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Serve burger patties in pita for a wrap-style variation
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Make extra shawarma fries—they’ll go fast
This Grilled Kofta Burger and Shawarma Fries combo brings the best of Middle Eastern flavors to your next summer BBQ. It's bold, colorful, and totally grill-ready—just the kind of meal that turns a casual cookout into something memorable.
