🍢 Harissa Lamb Kofta Recipe | Flame-Grilled Lamb Koftas with Mint Yoghurt

🍢 Flame-Grilled Harissa Lamb Koftas with Mint Yoghurt on a Gas BBQ

Lamb koftas have become a firm favourite for outdoor cooking, offering something a little different from traditional burgers and sausages. Packed with warming spices, fresh herbs and a touch of harissa, they're quick to prepare, easy to cook and ideal for sharing.

Cooking them on a gas BBQ gives the koftas a lightly charred exterior while keeping the inside juicy and full of flavour. Served with cooling mint yoghurt, warm flatbreads and a crisp salad, they make a relaxed meal that's perfect for sunny afternoons and garden get-togethers.

Whether you're feeding family or entertaining guests, these koftas bring vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavours to your barbecue with very little effort.

📝 Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Chilling Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: Around 1 hour 5 minutes

Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy

🛒 Ingredients

For the Koftas

  • 500g lamb mince
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 tbsp harissa paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Mint Yoghurt

  • 200g Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Pinch of sea salt

To Serve

  • Flatbreads
  • Pickled red onions
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber ribbons
  • Crumbled feta
  • Lemon wedges

🔥 Equipment Needed

  • Gas BBQ
  • Metal or soaked wooden skewers
  • Mixing bowl
  • BBQ tongs

👨🍳 Method

Step 1 – Make the koftas

Combine all the kofta ingredients in a large bowl.

Mix well until evenly combined.

Divide into eight equal portions and shape each portion around a skewer.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2 – Prepare the yoghurt

Mix together the Greek yoghurt, mint, lemon juice and salt.

Chill until ready to serve.

Step 3 – Prepare the barbecue

Preheat the gas BBQ to 200°C.

Lightly oil the cooking grates.

Step 4 – Cook the koftas

Place the koftas onto the barbecue.

Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes until evenly browned and cooked through.

Step 5 – Warm the flatbreads

Place the flatbreads over indirect heat for 1–2 minutes until soft and warm.

Step 6 – Serve

Arrange the koftas on a platter with the warm flatbreads, mint yoghurt, fresh salad, feta and lemon wedges.

💡 Cooking Tips

  • Chilling the koftas helps them stay firm on the skewers.
  • Avoid pressing the meat too tightly.
  • Turn gently to prevent sticking.
  • Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference.
  • Serve with plenty of lemon for extra freshness.

🌟 Delicious Variations

Chicken Koftas

Swap the lamb for chicken thigh mince.

Spicy Koftas

Add finely chopped fresh chilli and extra harissa.

Halloumi Koftas

Mix grated halloumi into the lamb mixture.

Turkish-Inspired Koftas

Serve with sumac onions and whipped feta.

Lamb & Apricot Koftas

Add finely chopped dried apricots for a subtle sweetness.

🍽️ What to Serve with Harissa Lamb Koftas

These koftas are delicious with:

  • Warm flatbreads
  • Greek salad
  • Grilled courgettes
  • Charred peppers
  • Couscous
  • Herby rice
  • Hummus
  • Tzatziki

🥡 Storage & Leftovers

Store cooked koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

They can be enjoyed cold in wraps or gently reheated on the barbecue before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Shape the koftas several hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.

Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. Freeze uncooked koftas for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before cooking.

Why use lamb mince?

Lamb has enough natural fat to stay juicy while developing excellent flavour on the barbecue.

Can I use wooden skewers?

Yes. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning.

What if I don't like harissa?

Replace it with mild paprika and a pinch of chilli flakes for a gentler flavour.

🛍️ Shop the Equipment at Sal's Place

Quick to prepare and full of flavour, these lamb koftas are a brilliant choice for relaxed outdoor meals and easy entertaining.

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Serve straight from the barbecue with warm flatbreads and fresh salads for a colourful meal that's made for sharing.