---
carb: potato
tags:
- Turkish
- Lunch
- 25-30min
- Intermediate
title: Turkish Kofte
method: grill
source: https://www.turkishfoodtravel.com/2025/02/26/turkish-kofte-meatballs/
protein: beef
ingredient_count: 11
---

Process stale bread into fine crumbs or use store-bought @breadcrumbs{150%g}.

Mix the @baking soda{1%tsp} with @fresh lemon juice{1%tbsp} in a #small bowl{}. Let it activate and foam up.

In a #large bowl{}, combine @ground beef{1%kg}, breadcrumbs, baking soda mixture, @black pepper{1%tsp}, and @salt{1.5%tsp}.

Optionally add @?paprika{1%tsp} and @?cumin{1%tsp}.

Knead everything together for ~{4-5%minutes} until well combined.

Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight for the best texture and taste, or let it rest for at least ~{2%hours} if short on time.

Add @onion{1%large}(grated, without juice) to the mixture the next day and knead again, using water to prevent sticking.

Shape the köfte into small oval or round patties.

== Grilling or Pan-Frying ==

To grill or pan-fry, heat a #cast iron griddle{} or a #nonstick pan{} over medium-high heat, and cook the köfte for about ~{3-4%minutes} per side until browned.

== Baking ==

Sauté @tomato paste{} and @pepper paste{} in @olive oil{}, add @garlic{}, spices, and a little water.

Slice @potatoes{} and layer in a #baking dish{} with köfte.

Pour the tomato sauce over the top, cover with #baking paper{} and #foil{}, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for ~{20%minutes} covered, then ~{15-20%minutes} uncovered.

> You can use a mix of 70% beef, 30% lamb instead of pure ground beef.