Mediterranean Beef Kofta Wraps with Garlic Sauce

Mediterranean Beef Kofta Wraps with Garlic Sauce

Beef kofta wraps are a flavorful Mediterranean street-food style meal. Juicy, spiced beef patties are wrapped in warm flatbread and paired with crisp vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner but also make a fantastic option for casual entertaining.

Time:

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 15 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 wraps

Ingredients

For the Beef Kofta:

1 lb (500 g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

1 small onion, grated or finely chopped

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)

2–3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or mint, cilantro)

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp black pepper

½–1 tsp salt (to taste)

1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

For the Garlic Sauce (Yogurt Tahini Sauce):

½ cup (120 g) plain yogurt (Greek or regular)

2 tbsp tahini (optional)

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt, to taste

1–2 tbsp cold water (to thin, if needed)

For Assembling the Wraps:

4 whole wheat flatbreads (chapati, pita, or store-bought wraps)

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 tomato, thinly sliced

½ cucumber, sliced

½ red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, tahini (if using), garlic, lemon juice, and salt.

Add cold water, 1 tbsp at a time, until smooth and pourable.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Make the Kofta Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, ginger (if using), parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, pepper, salt, and lemon juice.

Mix gently with your hands until just combined (don’t overmix).

Shape into small oval patties or logs (about 8 koftas).

Cook the Kofta:

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil.

Cook the koftas for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (internal temp ~160°F / 70°C).

Warm the Flatbreads:

Heat flatbreads in a dry skillet for 30–60 seconds per side until soft and pliable.

Assemble the Wraps:

Lay a flatbread on a plate.

Add lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion.

Place 2 koftas on top, then drizzle generously with garlic sauce.

Wrap and serve warm.

Tips

Mix gently: Overmixing the beef can make the koftas tough. Use your hands and stop once the spices and herbs are just combined.

Drain the onion: If grating the onion, squeeze out excess liquid before adding it to the beef mixture so the koftas don’t fall apart.

Make ahead: Shape the koftas and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. They also freeze well for quick meals.

Control the heat: A grill or grill pan adds smoky flavor, but a nonstick skillet works just as well.

Warm the bread properly: Wrap flatbreads in foil and warm them briefly in the oven for softer wraps that don’t tear.

Variations

Protein swaps: Try ground lamb, chicken, or turkey instead of beef for a different flavor profile.

Vegetarian option: Replace kofta with falafel or grilled halloumi cheese for a hearty, meat-free wrap.

Spice it up: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or harissa to the kofta mix for extra heat.

Fresh herb boost: Mix in mint, cilantro, or dill for brighter, more aromatic koftas.

Topping ideas: Add pickled turnips, roasted red peppers, or feta cheese for more layers of flavor.

Different sauces: Swap the yogurt tahini garlic sauce for tzatziki, hummus, or even a spicy red pepper sauce (like harissa yogurt).

Q&A

Can I bake the koftas instead of grilling?
Yes. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until fully cooked.

How do I stop the koftas from falling apart?
Squeeze out excess liquid from the onion and avoid overmixing the beef. If the mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 tbsp breadcrumbs.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. Cooked koftas store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 2–3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven.

What else can I serve with the wraps?
Pair with roasted potatoes, a tabbouleh salad, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad for a complete meal.

Can I use store-bought garlic sauce?
Yes, store-bought garlic or tzatziki sauce works fine if you want to save time.

Nutrition

(per wrap, with sauce and vegetables)

Calories: ~420

Protein: ~28 g

Fat: ~20 g

Carbohydrates: ~32 g

Fiber: ~4 g

Sugar: ~5 g

(Values will vary based on bread type, beef leanness, and sauce ingredients.)

Conclusion

Mediterranean Beef Kofta Wraps with Garlic Sauce are a satisfying balance of smoky spiced meat, crisp vegetables, and creamy garlic sauce. They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for both weeknight meals and casual gatherings. With simple ingredients and big flavors, these wraps bring the essence of Mediterranean street food right to your kitchen.