Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly seasoned, succulent kebabs, fresh off the grill. Now, imagine doing it with minimal fuss! Our Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs recipe makes that dream a delicious reality. Using simple ingredients like lean pork mince, a handful of fresh herbs, and a blend of aromatic spices, these kebabs are packed with flavour and incredibly easy to prepare.
After a quick chill to let those flavours meld, they're ready for the heat of the grill, emerging beautifully charred and juicy. Serve them up with golden fries, a crisp summer salad, and a dollop of creamy tzatziki for a meal that's sure to be a family favourite.
Jump to:
- The Irresistible Allure of Grilled Kofta Kebabs
- Ingredients: Simple Staples, Big Flavours
- How to Make Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Variations: Get Creative With Your Kofta Kebabs
- How to Serve the Pork Kofta Kebabs?
- How to Store?
- Top Tips for Perfect Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs Recipe | Juicy & Easy BBQ
The Irresistible Allure of Grilled Kofta Kebabs
When it comes to outdoor cooking, few things capture the spirit of relaxed, flavourful dining quite like kebabs. While Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs are a fantastic choice year-round, they truly shine during the warmer months. Think of sun-drenched afternoons, the sizzle of the grill, and the intoxicating aroma wafting through the air – that's when these tender, spiced pork koftas really come into their own.
They're an absolute staple for summer barbecues, garden parties, and casual weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but easy. They even make a wonderful addition to your Fourth of July or Labor Day spread, offering a delicious alternative to traditional burgers and hot dogs.
This recipe for Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs was actually inspired by another one of our reader favorites here at Timea's Kitchen: our incredible Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs. We loved the vibrant flavours and the ease of cooking kebabs on the grill, and thought, "Why not create a equally delicious pork version?" The result is a truly special kebab that brings a unique twist to your grilling repertoire.
To complete this fantastic meal, we highly recommend serving these kebabs with our unbelievably refreshing Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce. The cool, tangy yogurt sauce perfectly cuts through the richness of the grilled pork, creating a harmonious balance of flavours that will have everyone asking for seconds. Add a side of crispy fries and a fresh Greek Village Salad, and you've got a complete, vibrant, and utterly satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients: Simple Staples, Big Flavours
You don't need a pantry full of exotic items to create something truly delicious. Our Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs are a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients, combined with the right blend of spices, can transform into an extraordinary meal. We've chosen a concise list of components that are readily available at any local grocery store, ensuring that these flavourful kebabs are accessible to every home cook. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the robust, satisfying taste that makes these koftas an instant favourite. Get ready to gather your essentials and prepare to embark on a mouth-watering grilling adventure!
What You'll Need:
- 800 g Pork Mince: The star of our koftas! We recommend using a good quality mince, around 15-20% fat. This ensures your kebabs stay wonderfully juicy and flavourful on the grill. Avoid extra-lean mince, which can dry out easily.
- 1 Chopped Onion: Finely chopped, the onion provides a foundational aromatic sweetness that melds beautifully with the pork and spices. It also helps to keep the koftas moist.
- 1 Bunch Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley is non-negotiable! Its vibrant, herbaceous notes add a crucial layer of freshness and a beautiful green fleck to the koftas.
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavours. Adjust to your taste, but a teaspoon provides a good baseline.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Pepper: Adds a mild, earthy heat that complements the pork and other spices. Freshly ground is always best if you have it!
- 1 teaspoon Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that offers warm, aromatic notes, deepening the flavour profile of the koftas.
- 1 teaspoon Cumin: Earthy and slightly warm, cumin is key to achieving that authentic kofta flavour. It adds depth and a subtle exotic touch.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: Offers a lovely red hue and a sweet, peppery flavour that enhances the overall spice blend without adding excessive heat. Use sweet paprika for this recipe.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Granules: While we use fresh onion, onion granules (or powder) provide a concentrated, underlying onion flavour that permeates the entire mix, ensuring every bite is rich with savoury goodness.
Wooden or Metal Skewers: You'll need these to shape and grill your koftas. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. It's prevent them from burning on the grill.
How to Make Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to fire up the grill and create some flavour magic? This section will walk you through each step of the process, from mixing the perfectly spiced pork to achieving that irresistible grilled char. For a visual guide and even more tips and tricks, be sure to check out our video recipe:
Let's get grilling!
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by finely chopping your onion. The key here is to get it as small and uniform as possible. This ensures that the onion blends seamlessly into the meat mixture, distributing its sweetness and moisture evenly without leaving large, crunchy bits in your koftas. A finely diced onion will also cook down beautifully on the grill, caramelizing slightly and adding to the overall depth of flavour.
Next, finely chop your fresh parsley. This vibrant herb adds a burst of freshness and a lovely colour to the koftas. Just like the onion, ensure the parsley is finely chopped so it can be thoroughly incorporated into the mince. Its bright, herbaceous notes are crucial for balancing the richness of the pork and the warmth of the spices, giving your Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs that irresistible, fresh finish.
Preparing the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork mince with your finely chopped onion and finely chopped parsley. Now it's time to add the magic! Sprinkle in salt, ground pepper, oregano, cumin, paprika, and onion granules.
Using clean hands, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. Don't be shy – you really want to get in there and squish everything together until it's well combined and feels a bit sticky. This ensures the flavours are evenly distributed throughout the mince and helps the koftas hold their shape later.
Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to rest for 2-3 hours. This step is often overlooked but is incredibly important! Resting allows the flavours from the spices and fresh ingredients to fully meld and deepen into the pork. It also helps the mixture firm up slightly, making it much easier to shape onto your skewers later. This little bit of patience will pay off with incredibly flavourful and moist Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs.
Shaping Your Kofta Kebabs
Now, it's time to get hands-on! Take a portion of the chilled pork mixture – about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger, depending on how big you want your kebabs. Gently but firmly mold the meat around the skewer, pressing it to form an elongated sausage shape, roughly 4-5 inches long and about 1 inch thick. Make sure the meat is well-adhered to the skewer all the way around so it doesn't fall off during grilling.
You can make them slightly flattened or cylindrical, whichever you prefer. But aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Repeat this process with the remaining meat mixture, spacing the koftas out evenly on each skewer to allow for proper heat circulation when they hit the grill.
This recipe yields 6-8 delicious skewers, perfect for a family meal or a small gathering.
Preheat Your Grill
First, preheat your outdoor grill to a medium-high heat. Whether you're using gas or charcoal, you want a consistent, hot surface. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing and covered with a light layer of ash. For gas, let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes. It's important to have a hot grill to get that initial sear and prevent sticking.
Grilling the Kebabs
Once your grill is hot, carefully place the assembled Pork Kofta Kebabs directly on the grates. Close the lid if your grill has one, as this helps to cook them more evenly and infuse more smoky flavour.
Grill the kebabs for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, turning them gently to ensure all sides get that beautiful char and cook evenly. You'll want to rotate them several times throughout the cooking process. Continue grilling and turning until the koftas are golden brown on the outside, have distinct grill marks, and are cooked through.
The internal temperature of cooked pork should reach 71°C (160°F) for safety, but rely on visual cues for tenderness and juiciness too. The total grilling time will typically be around 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your koftas and the heat of your grill.
Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs from the grill. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
And just like that, your mouth-watering Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs are ready to enjoy! This recipe truly shines in its remarkable simplicity. You don't need to be a seasoned chef; with minimal prep and a few turns on the grill, you've created a dish that tastes gourmet. This recipe proves exceptional flavour doesn't have to be complicated, making it your perfect go-to for effortless, delicious meals.
Variations: Get Creative With Your Kofta Kebabs
While our Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic base for culinary creativity! Don't hesitate to experiment with different flavour profiles or adapt it to your preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch:
- Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced chilli to the meat mixture. A dash of red pepper flakes would also work wonderfully.
- Herbaceous Twists: Swap out some of the parsley for other fresh herbs like mint or dill for a brighter, more Mediterranean flavour. A little fresh cilantro would also be fantastic if you're leaning towards an Indian or Middle Eastern influence.
- Add Some Zing: Mix in the zest of one lemon or lime to the pork mixture for a subtle, tangy lift that complements the grilled flavour beautifully.
- Cheese Please: For an extra layer of richness, fold in a few tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese or grated halloumi into the mix before shaping your koftas. The cheese will melt slightly as they grill, adding a lovely creaminess.
How to Serve the Pork Kofta Kebabs?
Now for the best part – enjoying the fruits of your grilling labour! Your Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making them perfect for any meal, from a casual family dinner to a lively summer gathering.
We highly recommend serving these succulent koftas with a generous helping of crispy golden fries and a vibrant, refreshing summer salad. The fries offer a comforting crunch, while a light, zesty salad (think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette) provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pork.
And, of course, no kofta meal would be complete without our amazing homemade tzatziki sauce. The cool, creamy, and garlicky tang of tzatziki is the perfect accompaniment, cutting through the savoury notes of the grilled pork and elevating every single bite.
Other Serving Suggestions:
- Pita or Flatbreads: Wrap the koftas in warm pita bread or flatbreads with some fresh salad and a drizzle of tzatziki for a delicious handheld meal.
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy bed of aromatic vegetable rice pilaf or couscous can be a wonderful alternative to fries, soaking up all the delicious juices.
- Grilled Vegetables: Skewer and grill some bell peppers, courgettes, red onion, and cherry tomatoes alongside your koftas for a complete grilled feast.
- Roasted Potatoes: Instead of fries, serve with lemon-herb roasted potatoes for a heartier side.
- Hummus and Dips: Offer a selection of Mediterranean dips like hummus or a spicy feta dip for an extra layer of flavour.
How to Store?
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Properly storing your Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs means you can enjoy their delicious flavour for another meal. Here's how to keep them fresh and ready for later:
Storing Cooked Kofta Kebabs
- Cool Completely: Before storing, always allow the grilled kofta kebabs to cool down to room temperature. This prevents condensation from building up inside the container, which can lead to sogginess and bacterial growth.
- Airtight Container: Once cooled, remove the koftas from the skewers (if preferred, or you can store them on the skewers if they fit) and place them in an airtight container. This protects them from air exposure and helps maintain their flavour and moisture.
- Refrigeration: Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat cooked kofta kebabs gently in a microwave, on a stovetop in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat, or in an oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Top Tips for Perfect Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs
Achieving truly spectacular Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs is easy with a few insider tricks. Here are our top tips to ensure your koftas are juicy, flavourful, and perfectly grilled every single time:
- Don't Skip the Chill Time: That 2-3 hour rest in the fridge is more than just a suggestion – it's crucial! It allows the flavours to fully meld and, perhaps more importantly, helps the meat mixture firm up. This makes shaping the koftas onto skewers much easier and prevents them from falling apart on the grill.
- Opt for 15-20% Fat Pork Mince: While lean meat sounds healthier, a slightly higher fat content (like 15-20%) in your pork mince is key for juicy koftas. The fat renders during grilling, keeping the kebabs moist and adding immense flavour. Extra-lean mince can result in dry koftas.
- Resist Constant Flipping: While you'll turn the kebabs every 2-3 minutes, avoid flipping them too frequently. Let them sit long enough on each side to develop a nice crust before turning.
- Rest After Grilling: Just like with larger cuts of meat, letting your koftas rest for 1-2 minutes off the grill before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and succulent bites.
FAQ
For our Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs, you'll typically grill them for 10-15 minutes in total over medium-high heat. The key is to turn them every 2-3 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and develop a beautiful char on all sides. They are cooked through when they are golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the middle. For ultimate certainty, you can use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a kofta; pork is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F).
Koftas typically fall off skewers if the meat mixture isn't well-combined or if it's not chilled enough. Ensure you mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands until the mixture is cohesive, and always allow it to rest in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours. This chilling time helps the fat firm up and the proteins bind, making the mixture much easier to shape and hold onto the skewers. Also, ensure you press the meat firmly around the skewer.
We hope you loved making and, most importantly, devouring these Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs! We're passionate about bringing delicious, achievable recipes to your kitchen (and grill!), and we'd love for you to join our growing community of home cooks.
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Related
Looking for other delicious pork recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with the Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs:
Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs Recipe | Juicy & Easy BBQ
Equipment
- 8 skewers metal or wood
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 800 g pork mince good quality
- 1 bunch parsley fresh, chopped
- 1 pc onion medium-sized
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika mild
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
Instructions
- Start by finely chopping your onion and the fresh parsley.
- In mixing bowl, combine the pork mince with your finely chopped onion and finely chopped parsley. Sprinkle in the salt, ground pepper, oregano, cumin, paprika, and onion granules.
- Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until it's well combined and feels a bit sticky.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to rest for 2-3 hours.
- Take a portion of the pork mixture and it around the skewer, pressing it to form an elongated sausage shape, roughly 4-5 inches long and about 1 inch thick.
- Preheat your outdoor grill to a medium-high heat.
- Place the assembled Pork Kofta Kebabs directly on the grates. Grill the kebabs for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, turning them gently
- Continue grilling and turning until the koftas are golden brown on the outside, and are cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the Grilled Pork Kofta Kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
- Serve these succulent koftas with a generous helping of crispy golden fries and a vibrant, refreshing summer salad.
Laci says
The perfect BBQ dish.