These Lamb Koftas are a Middle Eastern-inspired favorite, made with ground lamb, aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika, then grilled or pan-fried for maximum flavor. Served with a tangy lemon-garlic yogurt sauce, they make a satisfying meal wrapped in warm flatbread with crisp cabbage salad or served over rice pilaf. They’re easy to prep, cook fast, and perfect for gatherings or meal prep.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Koftas:

• 1 lb / 500 g lamb mince (ground lamb)

• ½ onion, grated

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

Spices for Kofta Mix:

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 2 tsp paprika

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¾ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp kosher or cooking salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

Yoghurt Dressing:

• 1 cup thick Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt & pepper to taste

To Serve:

• 8 small flatbreads or 4 large ones

• Red cabbage, carrot & mint salad or shredded lettuce, tomato & onion

• Optional: hummus, tabbouleh, or rice pilaf

Directions

1. Make the Yogurt Sauce: Mix all yogurt sauce ingredients in a bowl. Chill in the fridge for 20+ minutes for best flavor.

2. Prepare Kofta Mixture: Grate onion directly into a mixing bowl. Add lamb, breadcrumbs, garlic, coriander, and all spices. Mix well using your hands.

3. Shape Koftas: With damp hands, divide mixture into 8 portions. Shape onto skewers (optional), forming elongated sausage shapes.

4. Cook:

   • Stovetop: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook koftas for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.

   • BBQ: Grill on medium-high for ~6 minutes, rotating for even cooking.

   • Broiler/Oven: Place 10″ from heat source. Broil for 12 minutes, turning for even browning.

5. Assemble: Spread yogurt sauce on flatbread, top with kofta and salad. Add extra sauce and roll into wraps.

6. Optional Sides: Serve with Middle Eastern rice pilaf, hummus, or marinated vegetables.

Nutrients

Per Serving (2 koftas in 1 pita with sauce):

• Calories: 305 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 23g

• Protein: 15g

• Fat: 17g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 50mg

• Sodium: 739mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

• Calcium: 102mg

• Iron: 3mg

What Makes Lamb Koftas So Popular

The popularity of Lamb Koftas comes down to their balance of bold spices, juicy texture, and ease of preparation. Unlike more elaborate dishes that require hours of marination or complex cooking methods, koftas can be mixed, shaped, and cooked in under 30 minutes—yet taste like they’ve been simmering in flavor all day.

The spice blend—cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne—infuses the lamb with warming depth and a mild heat that’s beautifully offset by the creamy lemon-garlic yogurt sauce. The contrast between the hot, smoky kofta and the cool, tangy yogurt creates a mouthwatering harmony in every bite.

Whether you’re a lamb lover or new to cooking with ground lamb, this dish is a gateway to exploring Middle Eastern cuisine in your own kitchen.

A Versatile Meal for Any Occasion

One of the biggest advantages of Lamb Koftas is their adaptability. They’re equally at home in a pita wrap, atop a salad, or plated beside a generous serving of rice pilaf or couscous. This makes them perfect for:

• Casual family dinners

• Picnics and BBQs

• Weeknight meal prep

• Holiday gatherings or potlucks

• Gluten-free or low-carb diets (just skip the bread and serve with vegetables or cauliflower rice)

You can make the koftas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook, or even freeze them for future use—making them a practical go-to for busy schedules.

Why Ground Lamb Works So Well

Ground lamb is a key ingredient in many traditional dishes from the Levant to North Africa and South Asia. It offers a richer, more savory flavor than ground beef, pairing especially well with spices like cinnamon and coriander.

In this recipe, the lamb is kept moist with grated onion and lightened with breadcrumbs, giving it a tender bite without being dense or dry. The flavor is hearty and aromatic without being overpowering, making it appealing even to those who are new to lamb.

If lamb isn’t available or isn’t to your taste, you can substitute it with beef, turkey, or a beef-lamb blend—but for the most authentic and deeply savory result, lamb is ideal.

The Secret Sauce: Lemon-Garlic Yogurt

The lemon-garlic yogurt sauce is more than a condiment—it’s the cooling counterpart that completes the dish. The creamy Greek yogurt is elevated with crushed garlic, olive oil, cumin, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. It complements the heat and spice of the koftas and brings a fresh Mediterranean touch.

You can serve it dolloped on top, swirled inside a wrap, or as a dip on the side. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables, falafel, or grilled chicken—so don’t be surprised if it becomes a fridge staple.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

Lamb Koftas can be served in a number of delicious ways depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some of the most popular serving suggestions:

1. In Flatbread Wraps:
Fill a warm pita or flatbread with two koftas, a spoonful of the yogurt sauce, and a simple salad of shredded red cabbage, carrot, mint, and a splash of lemon juice.

2. Over Rice or Grains:
Serve koftas over fluffy rice pilaf, couscous, bulgur wheat, or quinoa with grilled vegetables and extra yogurt sauce on the side.

3. Mezze Platter Style:
Add koftas to a platter with hummus, baba ganoush, olives, tabbouleh, fresh tomato and cucumber salad, and toasted pita triangles for a beautiful appetizer or sharing dish.

4. Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly:
For a lighter option, skip the bread and serve the koftas with grilled zucchini, eggplant, or cauliflower rice. The high protein and healthy fats from the yogurt sauce make it a great fit for keto diets.

5. Salad Bowl:
Chop up the koftas and layer them over greens, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese. Top with lemon dressing or use the yogurt sauce as a creamy alternative.

Tips for the Best Koftas Every Time

• Use Freshly Ground Spices: The flavor of ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon shines best when the spices are fresh and aromatic. Toasting the spices lightly before mixing into the meat can add extra depth.

• Grate the Onion Finely: This ensures it mixes smoothly into the lamb, adding both moisture and subtle flavor.

• Keep Hands Damp When Shaping: Wet hands prevent the mixture from sticking and help you shape smoother koftas.

• Chill Before Cooking (Optional): If you have time, chill the shaped koftas for 15–30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.

• Don’t Overcook: Lamb is best when juicy—avoid overcooking which can dry out the meat. If you’re grilling, medium-high heat with frequent turning is key.

Health Benefits and Nutrition Overview

Despite their indulgent taste, Lamb Koftas can be a relatively balanced and nutritious meal:

• High in protein: Ideal for muscle repair and energy

• Rich in iron and zinc: Key minerals found in lamb

• Full of healthy fats: Especially when served with Greek yogurt

• Low in sugar and carbs: Great for those watching their blood sugar

You can further improve the nutritional profile by using whole wheat pitas, adding more fresh veggies, or serving with a leafy salad.

Conclusion

Lamb Koftas with Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Sauce are the kind of meal that brings people together. Bursting with Middle Eastern flavor and packed with satisfying textures, this dish is as practical as it is crave-worthy. From busy weeknights to festive dinner spreads, koftas are the answer when you want bold flavor without the fuss.

Whether you serve them tucked inside warm flatbreads, over a bed of fragrant rice, or nestled into a salad bowl, one thing is certain: this dish will become a repeat favorite. Try it once and you’ll see why Lamb Koftas have stood the test of time as a staple in global cuisine—simple, versatile, and full of soul.