Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smashed Beef Kebab with Cucumber Yogurt is a bold yet refreshing dish that brings together deeply seasoned beef and a cool, creamy sauce in the most satisfying way. The kebabs are smashed rather than shaped, which creates crisp edges, juicy centers, and maximum flavor in every bite. I first tried this method when I wanted faster cooking and better browning, and it instantly became my preferred approach. The beef cooks evenly, develops a beautiful crust, and stays tender inside. Paired with a cucumber yogurt sauce, the dish feels balanced and light despite its richness. It works beautifully as a weeknight dinner, a weekend grill option, or a build-your-own platter with flatbreads and salads. The ingredients are simple, but the result feels restaurant-worthy. If you enjoy bold spices, juicy meat, and cooling contrasts, this recipe delivers comfort and freshness in equal measure.
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Smashed Beef Kebab with Cucumber Yogurt: Juicy, Spiced, and Perfectly Balanced
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy smashed beef kebabs seasoned with warm spices, pan-seared until caramelized and served with a cool, refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, black pepper, salt, and parsley.
- Mix gently until just combined and divide into equal portions.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place beef portions in the skillet and smash flat with a spatula.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, dill or mint, and a pinch of salt.
- Serve smashed kebabs hot with cucumber yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes
- Do not overmix the beef to keep kebabs tender.
- Serve with pita bread, rice, or salad.
- The yogurt sauce can be made ahead and chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Ground beef is the foundation of the kebabs. A slightly higher fat content ensures juiciness and rich flavor.
Onion adds moisture and subtle sweetness, helping keep the kebabs tender.
Garlic deepens the savory flavor and complements the spices beautifully.
Ground cumin brings warmth and an earthy aroma that defines the kebab profile.
Ground paprika adds mild sweetness and color, enhancing both flavor and appearance.
Black pepper sharpens the seasoning and balances the richness of the beef.
Salt enhances all the flavors and ensures the meat is well seasoned.
Olive oil helps with browning and keeps the kebabs from sticking during cooking.
Greek yogurt forms the creamy base of the sauce, adding richness and tang.
Cucumber provides crunch and freshness, cooling the spiced beef.
Lemon juice brightens the yogurt sauce and balances the richness.
Fresh herbs such as dill or parsley add freshness and aroma to the sauce.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preparing the cucumber yogurt sauce. Grate the cucumber and gently squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, salt, and chopped herbs. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.
In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef, finely grated onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly brush with olive oil. Divide the beef mixture into portions and place them directly onto the hot surface. Use a spatula to smash each portion into a flat patty.
Cook until the bottom develops a deep golden crust, then flip and cook the other side until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and allow the kebabs to rest briefly.
Serve the smashed beef kebabs hot with generous spoonfuls of cucumber yogurt sauce on top or on the side.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 3 to 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover kebabs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the kebabs gently in a skillet, and stir the sauce before serving.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is very flexible. You can substitute ground lamb for a more traditional kebab flavor or use ground chicken for a lighter option. Adjust spices to suit your taste by adding coriander, chili flakes, or a pinch of cinnamon.
For the sauce, you can replace Greek yogurt with labneh for extra thickness or add minced garlic for a sharper bite. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt alternative with lemon and salt.
Serving options are also adaptable. These kebabs work well wrapped in flatbread, served over rice, or paired with a fresh tomato salad. I often serve them with warm pita and extra sauce for dipping.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Smashed Beef Kebab with Cucumber Yogurt is rich in protein and satisfying fats. The yogurt sauce adds calcium and probiotics, while cucumber contributes hydration and freshness. Balanced portions make this dish suitable for a wholesome meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
High Heat Cooking
Use medium-high heat to achieve crisp edges without drying the meat.
Gentle Mixing
Mix the beef lightly to keep the kebabs tender.
Resting Time
Allow the kebabs to rest briefly after cooking to retain juices.
FAQs
Can I make the kebabs ahead of time?
Yes, shape the mixture in advance and cook when ready.
Do I need a grill?
No, a skillet or grill pan works perfectly.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes, add chili flakes or cayenne to the beef mixture.
What yogurt works best?
Thick Greek yogurt provides the best texture.
Can I freeze the kebabs?
Yes, freeze uncooked patties and cook from thawed.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the spices are mild and adjustable.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, but reduce the amount as dried herbs are stronger.
How do I prevent sticking?
Ensure the pan is well heated and lightly oiled.
Can I serve this cold?
The kebabs are best hot, but leftovers can be eaten cold.
What sides pair well?
Flatbread, rice, or a simple salad work well.
Conclusion
Smashed Beef Kebab with Cucumber Yogurt is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines juicy spiced beef with cool, creamy contrast. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it is a recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
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