Mediterranean Diet Friendly Ginger-Turmeric Beef Kofta Bites with Zucchini

Total time35 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time15 min

Mediterranean Diet Friendly Ginger-Turmeric Beef Kofta Bites with Zucchini

Ground beef gets worked with fresh ginger, turmeric, cumin, and a generous handful of parsley and cilantro, then rolled into compact bites and seared until deeply browned and cooked through. Golden zucchini rounds, blistered in olive oil until tender, round out the plate with a light, vegetable-forward contrast to the warmly spiced meat. Everything comes together fast in one skillet, so you get a hearty appetizer or light main without a long ingredient list or a sink full of dishes. A final scatter of fresh parsley brightens the whole platter right before serving. With its emphasis on olive oil, fresh herbs, warming spices, and simply cooked vegetables alongside a modest portion of meat, this one is a great fit for a Mediterranean-style table. It's the kind of dish that works equally well as a weeknight dinner or a shareable spread for guests.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

For the kofta

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
Isernios Chicken Ground Chicken Tray Pack - 16 Oz Foster Farms® Fresh & Natural Cage Free Ground Chicken Breast Open Nature Ground Chicken - 16 oz Smart Chicken Organic Ground Chicken Mary's Organic 93% Lean Ground Chicken, 16 oz
See all
Chef's tip
Ground chicken is often leaner than ground beef and can dry out more quickly. When browning it, add a little oil if needed and keep the pan juices unless the recipe says to drain them. Cook just until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
¾ tsp salt

For the zucchini

2 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
¼ tsp salt

For serving

2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated ginger, turmeric, cumin, parsley, cilantro, and 3/4 tsp salt. Mix with your hands until the spices and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the meat, about 1 minute — do not overwork.
2
Portion the mixture into roughly 1.5-tablespoon pieces and roll each into a compact oval or round bite, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get 18–20 pieces. Set aside on a plate.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!