Ingredients
1 kg ground beef (about 30% fat, preferably brisket)
125 g breadcrumbs
125 ml water
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 medium onions, grated (excess juice drained)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, water, and salt. Knead well for several minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 12–24 hours to rest and develop texture.
- Mix baking soda and lemon juice together in a small bowl, then add to the meat mixture along with the grated onions. Knead again to fully combine.
- Shape the mixture into small elongated oval patties (about walnut-sized or finger-length). Wet hands to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate shaped koftes for another 2–3 hours to firm up.
- Preheat a grill, griddle, or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook koftes for 4–6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Serve hot with grilled tomatoes, peppers, Turkish bread, or rice pilaf, and optionally a side of yogurt sauce.
Notes
Use a 25–30% fat beef mix for best juiciness and authentic texture.
Combine beef with up to 20% lamb for a richer flavour.
Drain onion juice to prevent a soggy texture.
For oven cooking, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.
Freeze raw or cooked koftes for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 koftes (approx. 120 g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
