If you’ve been searching for a dish that bursts with bold flavors, tender juiciness, and a perfect harmony of creamy sauces, the Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe captures the magic of aromatic spices mingling with fresh herbs and cooling yogurt-based tzatziki, creating an irresistible combination that brings a taste of Armenian street food right to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving something exciting, this dish promises a satisfying and flavorful experience every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully. Each adds a unique layer to the overall dish, from the fragrant spices to the creamy sauces that balance out the heat and savoriness.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that absorbs all the spices and juices, giving the kefta its rich flavor and juicy texture.
- Onion: Adds moisture and a sweet undertone that balances the spice.
- Garlic: Infuses the meat and sauces with a punchy, aromatic essence.
- Fresh parsley: Brings brightness and color to the mixture, lifting the flavors.
- Ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that’s essential for the authentic Armenian flavor.
- Paprika: Adds smokiness and a subtle sweet depth.
- Cayenne pepper: Provides the signature spicy kick—feel free to adjust to your heat preference.
- Ground allspice: Lends a subtle sweetness and complexity to the meat.
- Salt and pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate every taste element.
- Wooden skewers: Soaked beforehand to prevent burning and perfect for grilling.
- Tahini: The creamy, nutty base for the sauce that complements the spiced beef perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Brings zesty brightness to both sauces, balancing richness and spice.
- Water: Used to adjust the tahini sauce to a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Greek yogurt: The cooling, creamy base for traditional tzatziki.
- Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and moisture, grated and drained to keep tzatziki thick.
- Fresh dill: Offers herbaceous brightness to the tzatziki, making it sing with flavor.
How to Make Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Beef Mixture
Start by combining the ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and your aromatic spices—cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground allspice. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure that all those wonderful spices evenly coat each bit of beef. This is where the magic really begins, as the meat absorbs the flavors that define this classic Armenian kefta.
Step 2: Shape the Kefta onto Skewers
Divide the spiced meat mixture into eight equal portions. Take each portion and carefully mold it around a wooden skewer, forming a long, sausage-like shape. Remember to press firmly so the meat sticks well and won’t fall off while grilling. These uniform shapes help the kefta cook evenly, giving you those perfectly charred edges and juicy centers everyone loves.
Step 3: Grill the Kefta Skewers
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers directly on the grill surface and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a delicious char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and fully cooked through. The grill adds a smoky layer that brings out the depth in the beef and spices.
Step 4: Make the Tahini Sauce
While the kefta is grilling, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. The tahini sauce should be creamy and pourable but not too thin—add a bit more water if needed. This sauce adds a nutty richness that perfectly contrasts the spicy beef for a well-rounded bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Refreshing Tzatziki
For the tzatziki, combine Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This cool, herbaceous sauce is crucial for balancing the heat and offering a refreshing finish to each skewer.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the kefta from the grill when perfectly cooked, and serve hot alongside generous dollops of tahini sauce and tzatziki. Add some warm pita bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal. The combination of spicy meat with creamy, tangy sauces is pure comfort and celebration on a plate.
How to Serve Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
To make your plate sing, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the kefta. A few lemon wedges on the side brighten up the entire dish with a squeeze of fresh citrus. Toasted sesame seeds over the tahini sauce can add a nutty crunch that complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines when accompanied by simple sides like warm, fluffy pita bread that’s perfect for scooping, or a crisp Mediterranean salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions dressed in olive oil and lemon juice. Roasted vegetables or a bed of fluffy couscous also make wonderful partners, soaking up every last bite of sauce and spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki Recipe deconstructed on a sharing platter—arrange skewers, small bowls of the sauces, pita wedges, and fresh veggies for a beautiful, interactive meal. You can also tuck the kefta into pita pockets with a generous slather of tahini and tzatziki for a handheld treat that’s perfect for casual gatherings or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover kefta, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauces separate to maintain their freshness, and bring everything to room temperature before reheating for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked kefta skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a great way to have a delicious meal pre-prepped for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the meat juicy and prevent rubberiness. Warm the sauces gently on the stovetop or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use lamb instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground lamb works wonderfully with the spices in this Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki Recipe, offering a richer and slightly gamier flavor if you prefer.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?
The cayenne pepper provides a moderate kick, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by using less or more to suit your taste. The cooling tahini and tzatziki sauces help balance the heat beautifully.
Do I need a grill to cook the kefta?
While grilling adds fantastic smoky flavor and char, you can also cook the kefta in a grill pan or a regular skillet indoors. Just make sure to cook them evenly on all sides until fully done.
Can I prepare the kefta mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the beef and spices up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors meld even better. Just shape the kefta and grill when ready to serve.
What can I serve if I don’t want to make both tahini and tzatziki?
Both sauces complement the dish in unique ways, but if you prefer simplicity, serving just one—either creamy tahini or cooling tzatziki—still makes for a delicious accompaniment.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that delights every time, the Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki Recipe is a must-try. Its perfect balance of spicy, savory meat with creamy, fresh sauces creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. I encourage you to bring this Armenian favorite into your kitchen—it’s easy to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Print
Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Armenian, Middle Eastern
Description
This Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini and Tzatziki is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired recipe featuring seasoned ground beef skewers grilled to perfection and served with creamy tahini sauce and refreshing tzatziki. Ideal for a quick, delicious meal that serves 8 people in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Tahini Sauce
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Kefta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Kefta: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Form each portion around a soaked wooden skewer, shaping them into long sausage-like forms to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Kefta: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the kefta skewers for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and have a nice charred exterior.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: While the kefta is grilling, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. Adjust the consistency with additional water if necessary to achieve a smooth, pourable sauce.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: In another bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the hot spicy beef kefta skewers with the tahini sauce and tzatziki on the side. Accompany with pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount depending on your preferred spice level.
- Ensure the cucumber is well-drained to avoid watery tzatziki.
- For a crispier outer layer on the kefta, preheat the grill pan adequately before cooking.
- Use fresh parsley and dill for the best flavor in both kefta and tzatziki.
