When you’re looking for a meaty dish with bold flavors, turn to Vegan Kofta with tzatziki! These tasty grilled kebabs are easy to make using a spiced vegan ground beef mixture. The “meat” is pressed onto skewers and cooked on a hot grill or pan until they’re lightly charred and bursting with rich flavors. The only way vegan kofta kebabs can get any better is when they’re served with homemade vegan tzatziki. This cucumber yogurt sauce cools down the subtle heat in the meat while complimenting the bold Middle Eastern-inspired flavors. Serve the kofta and tzatziki in flatbread with veggies and you’re left with an addictive meal!
What is kofta?
Middle Eastern kofta recipes (also called kefta, kifta, kafta, and koobideh) are traditionally made from seasoned ground lamb or beef. The meat is shaped into logs, then grilled until the outside is charred and the inside is juicy and meaty. While far from authentic (here is an authentic kofta recipe), my vegan kofta recipe encapsulates what the traditional version is all about – flavor-rich ground “meat” that’s grilled to crispy perfection! Note: My kofta kebab recipe is much different than malai kofta, an Indian dish that serves potato and paneer meatballs in cream sauce. This recipe is inspired by the Middle Eastern versions.
Ingredients needed (with substitutions)
Vegan ground beef – This is the star ingredient in this recipe, so it’s important to use a brand of vegan ground beef that you already love. I used Impossible ground beef because of its realistic flavor and ability to be manipulated into different shapes without falling apart (as proven in my Vegan Meatballs recipe). Ground Beyond beef should also work well. You could probably use rehydrated TVP, but I haven’t tested it. Onion and garlic Dry spices – A blend of paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, cinnamon, salt, and pepper yields rich flavors in the meat mixture. For a stronger flavor, add za’atar, turmeric, allspice, and/or coriander. Fresh dill and mint Easy Tzatziki Sauce – This creamy Mediterranean sauce is easy to make from scratch using grated cucumber, vegan yogurt (or tofu, like my original recipe), and pantry-staple herbs and aromatics. If you can, make extras to drizzle over a salad or serve as a dip with falafel!
How to make vegan kofta
Start by making the tzatziki sauce. Simply stir all of the ingredients together in a small bowl, then place it in the fridge to chill until it’s time to eat. Next, mix the vegan ground beef with the rest of the kofta ingredients in a bowl. Form 6 to 7 portions of the ground beef mixture into log shapes. Pierce each one with a skewer. Sear the kofta skewers on a grill pan or outdoor grill until they’re cooked through and nicely charred. Serve hot in flatbread with vegan tzatziki and your desired toppings, then enjoy!
Tips for success
Grilling the kofta kebabs on an outdoor grill? Remember to soak the wooden skewers in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes before cooking so they don’t burn. You need to really squeeze the meat logs to help them adhere to the skewer. Omit the cayenne from the spice blend if you don’t like spicy food. You can add finely chopped nuts, like slivered almonds, into the meat mixture for a soft crunch. Feel free to skip the tzatziki and serve the kofta with hummus instead.
Frequently asked questions
Want more meaty vegan recipes?
Vegan Moussaka The Best Vegan Meatballs Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Vegan Shawarma
