Introduction
Smashed Beef Kebab with Cucumber Yogurt is one of those dishes that feels bold, comforting, and refreshing all at once. I like to make this recipe when I want something deeply flavorful but still light enough to enjoy any time of year. The beef is smashed thin and cooked hot, which creates irresistible crispy edges while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Paired with a cool cucumber yogurt sauce, the contrast is absolutely perfect. What I love most about this dish is how simple it is while still tasting special. The kebabs come together quickly with pantry spices, and the yogurt sauce takes just minutes to prepare. It works beautifully as a weeknight dinner, a weekend grill recipe, or even a casual gathering dish served with flatbread or salad. If you enjoy bold spices, juicy beef, and creamy sauces, this smashed beef kebab recipe is one you will want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The smashed cooking method creates crispy edges and deep flavor, while the cucumber yogurt sauce adds freshness and balance. It is easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and feels both hearty and refreshing.
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Smashed Beef Kebab with Cucumber Yogurt – Juicy, Spiced, and Refreshingly Balanced
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Smashed beef kebab with cucumber yogurt is a flavorful Middle Eastern–inspired dish featuring juicy spiced beef patties served with a cool, creamy cucumber yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Divide beef mixture into portions and smash into flat kebab-style patties.
- Cook kebabs for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, and herbs to make the sauce.
- Serve smashed beef kebabs hot with cucumber yogurt on the side or spooned on top.
Notes
- Do not overmix beef to keep kebabs tender.
- Serve with pita, rice, or salad.
- Sauce can be made ahead and chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef
Ground beef is the base of the kebabs, delivering rich flavor and juicy texture when cooked hot and fast.
Onion
Onion adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the beef mixture.
Garlic
Garlic brings depth and aromatic flavor to the kebabs.
Cumin
Cumin adds earthy warmth that defines the kebab flavor.
Paprika
Paprika adds gentle smokiness and color.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors in the beef.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and balance.
Olive Oil
Olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds richness during cooking.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt forms the creamy base of the cucumber sauce.
Cucumber
Cucumber adds freshness, crunch, and cooling contrast to the yogurt sauce.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances richness.
Fresh Dill
Fresh dill adds herbal freshness and classic yogurt-sauce flavor.
Directions
Begin by preparing the cucumber yogurt sauce. Grate or finely chop the cucumber and gently squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and refrigerate while preparing the kebabs.
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat and lightly brush with olive oil. Divide the beef mixture into portions and place them onto the hot surface. Immediately smash each portion flat using a spatula. Cook until deeply browned and crispy on one side, then flip and cook briefly until done.
Remove the kebabs from the heat and allow them to rest briefly. Serve hot with generous spoonfuls of cucumber yogurt sauce on top or on the side.
Equipment needed
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 four people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 10 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover kebabs and cucumber yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet. Serve the yogurt sauce cold.
Variations and Customizations
Smashed Beef Kebab with Cucumber Yogurt is very adaptable. You can add ground coriander or allspice for extra warmth. For a spicier version, include chili flakes or cayenne in the beef mixture. Lamb can be used instead of beef for a more traditional kebab flavor. The yogurt sauce can be customized with mint instead of dill or made extra garlicky for more punch. These kebabs also work well served in pita, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides protein from the beef and probiotics from the yogurt. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and works well as part of a balanced meal when served with vegetables or whole grains.
Expert Tips & Customizations
High Heat
Cook kebabs over high heat to achieve crispy edges.
Do Not Overmix
Gently mix the beef to keep it tender.
Drain Cucumber
Removing excess moisture keeps the sauce thick.
Rest Before Serving
Brief resting keeps the kebabs juicy.
FAQs
Why smash the beef kebabs?
Smashing creates crispy edges and deeper flavor.
Can I grill these kebabs?
Yes, a hot grill works very well.
Can I use ground lamb?
Yes, lamb is an excellent alternative.
Is the yogurt sauce similar to tzatziki?
Yes, it is similar but slightly simpler.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes better after chilling.
Are these kebabs kid-friendly?
Yes, adjust spices as needed.
Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes, freeze raw seasoned beef for later use.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Flatbread, rice, or salad pair nicely.
Can I add herbs to the beef?
Yes, parsley or cilantro work well.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as written it is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Smashed Beef Kebab with Cucumber Yogurt is a bold yet balanced dish that delivers juicy, spiced beef paired with a cool, creamy sauce. Easy to prepare and full of contrasting textures and flavors, it is a satisfying recipe perfect for quick dinners, casual entertaining, or anytime you crave something both hearty and refreshing.
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