If you’re looking for a bold, satisfying grilled dish packed with flavor, this Middle Eastern Beef Kefta plate is a perfect choice. Juicy, spice-seasoned kefta skewers are served over creamy hummus and paired with a refreshing cucumber tomato salad.

The final touch is a drizzle of Alexandra’s Pikliz® Hot Sauce, which adds bright Caribbean heat that complements the cumin, garlic, and grilled beef beautifully.

This recipe is perfect for:

• Mediterranean-style dinner plates

• Weeknight grilling

• High-protein meals

• Entertaining guests with global flavors

If you're new to Pikliz-inspired flavors, you can learn more here:
👉 What Is Pikliz?

Ingredients

Hummus

15.5 oz chickpeas (1 can, drained)
4 tablespoons tahini paste
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves garlic
¼ onion
Salt to taste
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)

Beef Kefta

1 lb ground beef or lamb
¼ onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon vinegar
Salt to taste
Alexandra’s Pikliz® Hot Sauce, to taste

Shop the sauce used in this recipe

👉 Alexandra’s Pikliz® Hot Sauce

Cucumber Tomato Salad

2 tomatoes, diced
½ cucumber, diced
10 fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Preparation

Make the Hummus

Add the chickpeas, tahini, lime juice, garlic, onion, and salt to a food processor.

Blend until smooth.

Add one ice cube or one tablespoon of water at a time until the hummus becomes creamy. You may need about ¼ cup of water total.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Prepare the Beef Kefta

In a mixing bowl combine:

Ground beef or lamb
Minced onion
Minced garlic
Cumin
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Red pepper flakes
Salt

Mix thoroughly.

Using your hands, press about ¼ cup of the meat mixture around each skewer.

Prefer to watch it first?
👉 Watch how Alexandra’s Pikliz® Hot Sauce brings this recipe to life (quick video)

Grill the Kefta

Brush a grill pan lightly with oil and heat over medium-high heat.

Grill the kefta skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.

Remove from heat and keep warm until serving.

Prepare the Cucumber Tomato Salad

In a bowl combine:

Diced tomatoes
Diced cucumber
Mint leaves
White vinegar
Salt

Toss well and season with black pepper to taste.

To Serve

Spread a generous spoonful of hummus across a serving plate.

Place the grilled kefta skewers on top.

Add the cucumber tomato salad alongside.

Sprinkle smoked paprika over the hummus if desired.

Finish the dish with a drizzle of Alexandra’s Pikliz® Hot Sauce for a vibrant spicy kick.

Serve with warm pita bread if desired.

If you're curious about how hot sauces differ in flavor, heat levels, and ingredients, explore our guide:
👉 What Is Hot Sauce?

What Is Kefta?

Kefta (also spelled kofta) is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from seasoned ground meat mixed with herbs and spices, typically formed around skewers and grilled.

It is commonly served with:

• Hummus

• Flatbread

• Fresh salads

• Yogurt or tahini sauces

Adding Alexandra’s Pikliz® Hot Sauce introduces a bright, vinegar-forward heat that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and Mediterranean flavors.

Tips for the Best Kefta

Use beef with some fat content (around 80/20) to keep the skewers juicy.

Avoid overworking the meat mixture, which can make the kefta dense.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Allow the kefta to rest for a few minutes after grilling so the juices stay inside the meat.

Sauce Recommendation

For this recipe we recommend finishing the dish with:

Alexandra’s Pikliz® Hot Sauce

This vibrant pepper sauce is inspired by the bold flavors of Haitian Pikliz and delivers a balanced combination of heat, acidity, and bright vegetable flavor that enhances grilled meats and savory dishes.

Explore more Caribbean-inspired condiments and recipes at:
👉 https://www.inthekitchenwithalexandra.com