Name: Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb / 500 g lamb mince (ground lamb); 1/2 onion, grated; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, preferably panko; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander; 2 tsp cumin; 2 tsp coriander; 2 tsp paprika; 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 tsp cooking / kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup yogurt, Greek or other thick plain; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 8 skewers; 8 small flatbreads or 4 large, warmed (homemade or store-bought); Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad OR shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 75 reviews

If you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself to something truly flavorful and satisfying, this Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Dressing Recipe is a must-try. These spiced lamb koftas are juicy and perfectly seasoned, balanced beautifully by a cool, creamy yogurt dressing that adds brightness and a hint of tang. The combination results in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with layers of aromatic spices and fresh herbs that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Middle Eastern flavors or just starting your culinary adventure, this recipe brings simplicity and elegance together in the most delicious way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface holding a thick, unevenly textured mound of raw ground meat mixed with small bits of red and green seasoning. The mound has a reddish-pink color overall with hints of darker and lighter tones due to the mix of ingredients. The bowl is filled about one-third with the meat mixture, showing some spaces in between the thicker parts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make these lamb koftas sing, you only need simple, wholesome ingredients that really stand out on their own. Each one plays a crucial role in building the wonderful texture, aroma, and flavor that makes this dish a standout at any meal.

Lamb mince (1 lb / 500 g): The rich, tender base that absorbs the spices beautifully for juicy, flavorful koftas.
Onion (1/2, grated): Adds moisture and sweetness, keeping the koftas wonderfully tender.
Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, preferably panko): Help bind the mixture without weighing it down, giving a nice texture.
Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Delivers aromatic depth to both the koftas and yogurt sauce.
Fresh coriander (2 tbsp, chopped): Offers a burst of fresh, citrusy brightness that complements the spices perfectly.
Cumin (2 tsp for koftas, 1 tsp for sauce): The warm, earthy spice that’s essential to authentic koftas and adds complexity to the dressing.
Coriander (2 tsp): Enhances the koftas with subtle floral notes.
Paprika (2 tsp): Brings a smoky sweetness and gorgeous rich color.
Ground cinnamon (1.5 tsp): Adds a surprising warmth that balances the savory flavors.
Cayenne pepper (3/4 tsp): For that gentle heat; adjust or omit to suit your spice preference.
Salt (1 tsp kosher for koftas, 1/4 tsp for sauce): Crucial for enhancing all the flavors.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp for koftas, 1/4 tsp for sauce): Adds a mild kick and rounds out the seasoning.
Yogurt (1 cup, Greek or thick): The creamy, tangy base of the dressing that cools and complements the spices.
Extra virgin olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds silkiness and richness to the yogurt dressing.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Injects freshness and balances the creamy yogurt perfectly.
Skewers (8): For shaping and cooking the koftas evenly with that inviting grilled look.
Flatbreads (8 small or 4 large, warmed): Perfect for wrapping the koftas with salad and sauce into a complete meal.
Salad: Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint or lettuce, tomato, and onion provide crispness and color contrast.

How to Make Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture

Start by combining the lamb mince, grated onion, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, and chopped coriander in a large bowl. Then add all the kofta spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well combined. This step lets the spices fully infuse the lamb, which is key to juicy, flavorful koftas.

Step 2: Shape the Koftas

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Take a skewer and carefully mold each portion around it, pressing firmly to form long, even cylinders. Having even shapes ensures they cook uniformly. If you’re not using skewers, you can simply shape them by hand into oval patties.

Step 3: Cook the Koftas

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the koftas for about 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through but still juicy inside. The exterior should have a lovely crust that locks in all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Yogurt Dressing

While the koftas cook, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, crushed garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is creamy, tangy, and fragrant — the perfect cooling partner to the spicy lamb.

How to Serve Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Dressing Recipe

The image shows two views of grilled minced meat skewers on wooden sticks. On the left, the skewers are uncooked, stacked side by side on a round white plate with a smooth texture, placed on a white marbled surface. The meat looks raw, unevenly shaped, and has small bits of green herbs visible throughout. On the right, cooked meat skewers sit on a black grill pan with clear grill marks and some browning. The meat appears firm, shiny, and well-grilled, with a golden-brown color mixed with darker charred lines. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander or mint leaves over the koftas for freshness and extra color. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a few thin lemon wedges on the side add visual appeal and brightness. These simple touches make the dish feel extra special when served.

Side Dishes

For sides, a shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad adds vibrant crunch and complements the koftas perfectly. Alternatively, a simple salad of lettuce, tomato, and onion slices keeps things fresh and light. Serving with warm flatbreads ties everything together, letting you wrap up the koftas with a bit of salad and a drizzle of yogurt dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get creative, use the koftas as a topper on a bed of couscous or rice pilaf instead of flatbreads. You can also serve the koftas alongside grilled vegetables and dollops of the yogurt dressing on the side for dipping. Another fun idea is to assemble mini kofta sliders with flatbread buns and fill them with salad and sauce for a party-friendly twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover koftas and yogurt dressing keep well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate retains the best texture and freshness when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked koftas for up to 2 months. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This makes it super easy to have homemade koftas ready to cook straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen koftas overnight in the fridge. Warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or bake in the oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry them out. The yogurt dressing is best served fresh, but you can stir it well if chilled.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of lamb in this Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Dressing Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef is a great substitute if lamb isn’t your favorite or isn’t available. Just keep in mind lamb’s natural richness adds a unique flavor, so you might want to add a dab of olive oil to beef koftas for extra moisture.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

No problem! You can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. Just be careful not to add too much as it can dry out the koftas. The breadcrumbs are mainly for binding and texture.

How spicy are these koftas?

The cayenne pepper lends a mild spicy kick that can be reduced or omitted entirely to suit your taste. The other spices bring warmth without heat, so the dish is flavorful but not overwhelming for most palates.

Can I make the yogurt dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the yogurt dressing can be made a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving. The flavors actually develop nicely when they have time to mingle.

Are these koftas suitable for grilling outdoors?

Definitely! Cooking these lamb koftas on an outdoor grill is fantastic and adds a wonderful smoky char. Just be sure to oil the grill grates or use skewers to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Dressing Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels both special and comforting. The blend of spices and fresh elements creates something memorable yet simple enough for any weeknight or gathering. Once you experience that juicy, fragrant lamb wrapped in warm flatbread with creamy yogurt dressing and crisp salad, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Happy cooking!