Print

Flavorful Smashed Beef Kebab Recipe with Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Dip

smashed beef kebab - featured image

A quick and easy smashed beef kebab recipe that delivers crispy edges and juicy centers, paired perfectly with a cool, creamy cucumber yogurt dip. This dish is simple, flavorful, and ideal for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, preferably 80/20 for juiciness
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • ½ medium cucumber, peeled and grated
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until evenly distributed, about 5 minutes.
  2. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions (about 3 oz or 85 g each). Form each portion loosely into a ball.
  3. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Place each beef ball in the skillet, then press down firmly with a spatula to flatten into a patty about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
  4. Cook patties undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until edges are golden and crispy. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until cooked through but still juicy. Avoid pressing down after flipping.
  5. While kebabs cook, grate peeled cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a towel or cheesecloth.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill or mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and chill until serving.
  7. Serve smashed kebabs hot with a generous dollop of creamy cucumber yogurt dip. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best juiciness and binding. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep kebabs tender. Press firmly when smashing to maximize crispy edges. Drain grated cucumber well to prevent watery dip. Cook kebabs in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Reheat gently to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed beef kebab, beef kebab recipe, cucumber yogurt dip, easy kebab recipe, quick dinner, grilled beef patties, creamy yogurt dip