Smashed Beef Kebab with Cucumber Yogurt – Juicy, Spiced, and Refreshingly Balanced

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smashed beef kebabs are a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can deliver bold, satisfying flavor. These kebabs are juicy on the inside, beautifully browned on the outside, and packed with warm spices that make every bite deeply comforting. What truly sets this recipe apart is the cooling cucumber yogurt sauce, which balances the richness of the beef and adds a refreshing contrast.

I enjoy this recipe because it feels both rustic and refined. The smashed technique gives the kebabs crispy edges while keeping the center tender. I have tested this dish with different spice blends, and it consistently delivers strong flavor without being overwhelming. Served with flatbread, rice, or a fresh salad, these kebabs are perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The combination of savory beef and cool yogurt makes this dish incredibly satisfying yet well-balanced.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef is the foundation of this dish. Using beef with a bit of fat ensures the kebabs stay juicy and flavorful during cooking.

Onion adds moisture and subtle sweetness. Finely grating it helps distribute flavor evenly throughout the meat.

Garlic provides a bold, savory backbone that enhances the spices and beef.

Ground cumin adds warmth and earthiness, giving the kebabs their classic Middle Eastern-inspired profile.

Ground paprika contributes mild sweetness and a rich color to the meat.

Ground coriander adds a gentle citrus note that brightens the overall flavor.

Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and bringing balance to the spices.

Fresh parsley adds freshness and lightness to the beef mixture.

Plain yogurt forms the base of the sauce. Its tangy flavor contrasts beautifully with the rich kebabs.

Cucumber adds crunch and cooling freshness to the yogurt sauce.

Lemon juice brightens the sauce and ties all the flavors together.

Olive oil is used lightly for cooking and adds richness without overpowering the dish.

Directions

Begin by preparing the cucumber yogurt sauce. Grate the cucumber and gently squeeze out excess moisture. Combine it with yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well and refrigerate to allow the flavors to develop.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, garlic, spices, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape loosely into patties. Press them gently to flatten, creating the signature smashed kebab shape.

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a small amount of olive oil. Cook the kebabs for several minutes on each side until well browned and cooked through. Avoid pressing them down while cooking to keep them juicy.

Remove the kebabs from the heat and let them rest briefly. Serve warm with the chilled cucumber yogurt sauce.

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.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves four people.

Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes.

Cooking time is around 15 minutes.

Total time required is about 35 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Cooked kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven. The yogurt sauce should be stored separately and served cold.

Variations and Customizations

You can substitute ground lamb for beef to create a richer, more traditional kebab flavor.

For extra heat, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.

Whole spices such as ground cinnamon or allspice can be added in small amounts for deeper warmth.

The cucumber yogurt sauce can be enhanced with fresh dill or mint for added freshness.

Serve the kebabs in pita bread with sliced tomatoes and onions for a sandwich-style meal.

FAQs

Can I make the kebab mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the beef mixture can be prepared up to one day in advance and kept refrigerated.

What type of beef is best?

Beef with moderate fat content works best for juiciness.

Can these kebabs be grilled outdoors?

Yes, they work well on a grill, preferably on a flat griddle surface.

Why are my kebabs dry?

Overcooking or using very lean beef can cause dryness.

Can I bake the kebabs?

They can be baked, but pan-searing gives better browning and flavor.

Is the yogurt sauce optional?

It is optional, but highly recommended for balance.

Can I freeze cooked kebabs?

Yes, freeze them for up to two months and reheat gently.

What can I serve with this dish?

Rice, flatbread, salad, or roasted vegetables pair well.

Can I use Greek yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well and gives a thicker sauce.

Are these kebabs spicy?

They are mildly spiced, but heat can be adjusted easily.

Conclusion

Smashed beef kebab with cucumber yogurt is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines juicy, spiced meat with a cool and refreshing sauce. Simple to prepare and versatile to serve, it is a recipe that delivers comfort and balance in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a main course or part of a shared spread, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

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