Whole30 Koobideh (Persian Ground Meat Kebabs)

Savor the bold, aromatic flavors of these Whole30 Koobideh (Persian Ground Meat Kebabs), a healthier twist on a beloved Middle Eastern classic. Made with a perfect blend of ground beef and lamb, grated onion, and a medley of warm spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika, these kebabs are bursting with authentic flavor in every bite. This recipe keeps things clean and Whole30-compliant, ditching breadcrumbs or fillers for a naturally gluten-free, paleo-friendly option. The secret to their tender texture lies in thoroughly mixing the meat mixture and shaping it around skewers for even cooking. Grilled to perfection in just minutes, these koobideh skewers are perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts. Serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon, crisp salads, or cauliflower rice for a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Keywords: Whole30 koobideh, Persian ground meat kebabs, gluten-free Persian recipe, healthy Middle Eastern recipes, paleo Persian food.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 pound Ground lamb
• 1 large Onion
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Sumac (optional)
• 0.5 cup Parsley, finely chopped
• 1 whole Lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

Step 1

Peel and grate the large onion into a fine consistency, ensuring it releases its juices.

Step 2

Place the grated onion in a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This is important to keep the kebabs together without falling apart.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, grated onion, salt, black pepper, cumin, turmeric, paprika, garlic powder, optional sumac, and chopped parsley.

Step 4

Using your hands, mix everything thoroughly for about 10 minutes until the spices are very well distributed throughout the meat. A well-mixed meat mixture is crucial for proper flavor distribution and texture.

Step 5

Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Take one portion and form it into a sausage shape around a skewer (preferably flat skewers if you have them). Ensure the meat is evenly pressed and shaped along the skewer.

Step 6

Repeat for all remaining portions, then place the skewers on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper.

Step 7

Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). If using a grill, you can also use an oven-safe grill rack.

Step 8

Grill or broil the koobideh skewers, turning occasionally, until well browned and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes on each side.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the koobideh from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

Step 10

Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the kebabs, and enjoy with cauliflower rice or a fresh salad for a wholesome Whole30 meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1257.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2451.4

Total Fat 171.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.3g
Cholesterol 756.6mg	0%
Sodium 6864.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 36.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.5g	0%
Total Sugars 11.9g
Protein 196.6g	0%

Vitamin D 18.1IU	0%
Calcium 507.8mg	0%
Iron 32.6mg	0%
Potassium 4261.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.3%

Protein: 31.8%

Carbs: 5.9%