Bulgur and Meat Kofta

Today on TACKRECIPE, we are diving into the flavorful world of Bulgur and Meat Kofta, a beloved dish originating from the Middle East, particularly Turkey and Lebanon. This dish combines bulgur wheat and ground meat—often beef or lamb—seasoned with fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and onions to create a deliciously tender and juicy kofta. Whether grilled, baked, or fried, these koftas are packed with deep, aromatic flavors that make them a staple in many households.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 400g (14 oz) ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg (optional, for binding)
• 1Skewers (if grilling)

Soak the Bulgur

Place the fine bulgur in a bowl and pour hot water over it. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it absorbs the water and becomes soft. Fluff it with a fork to ensure even texture before mixing with other ingredients.

Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the softened bulgur with ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and all the spices. Mix everything thoroughly, using your hands for best results. If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of water or one beaten egg to help bind the ingredients together.

Shape the Kofta

Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into oval or cylindrical patties. If grilling, thread them onto skewers, pressing them gently to ensure they hold their shape. If pan-frying or baking, shape them into flat patties for even cooking.

Cook the Kofta

For grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the koftas for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
For pan-frying, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the koftas for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
For baking, preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the koftas on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, let the koftas rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot with yogurt sauce, fresh vegetables, or alongside fluffy rice and warm pita bread. A squeeze of lemon over the top enhances the flavors even more.

 Tips:

Soak the Bulgur Thoroughly

Here on TACKRECIPE, we always recommend soaking your bulgur in hot water for at least 10 minutes before mixing it with the ground meat. This step ensures the bulgur becomes soft and plumps up, giving you juicier, more tender koftas while also helping bind everything together for perfect consistency.

Use Fresh Spices and Herbs

For maximum flavor, use freshly ground spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, along with chopped parsley or cilantro. Fresh ingredients greatly enhance the taste and aroma of the bulgur and meat kofta, making them stand out as a flavorful Middle Eastern dish.

Shape and Cook with Care

Whether you’re grilling, baking, or frying, shaping the koftas into uniform sizes ensures even cooking. On TACKRECIPE, we suggest lightly oiling your hands or the skillet before cooking to prevent sticking, and rotating or flipping the koftas regularly to achieve an appetizing, golden-brown exterior.