Juicy Layered Tortilla Kebab Skewers Grilled with Spiced Meat (Print version)

Spiced ground meat layered with tortillas, skewered, grilled until crisp outside and juicy inside, then brushed with lemon-garlic butter.

# Ingredients:

For the skewers

01 - 8 wooden or metal skewers
02 - 6 large flour tortillas, about 10 inches (25 cm)
03 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) ground beef, 80/20, or half beef and half lamb
04 - 1 small red onion, very finely chopped
05 - 1 small red bell pepper, very finely chopped
06 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
08 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
09 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
12 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, plus more to taste
15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil, for the grill grates

For the lemon-garlic baste

16 - 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
18 - 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
19 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
20 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
21 - 1 tablespoon honey
22 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
23 - Pinch of kosher salt

For serving

24 - Plain Greek yogurt or garlic yogurt sauce
25 - Lemon wedges
26 - Sliced cucumber, tomato, or pickled red onions

# Instructions:

01 - If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Heat the grill to medium, about 375-400°F, and oil the grates well.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, bell pepper, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Mix by hand for about 1 minute until tacky and evenly seasoned.
03 - Trim the tortillas into rough squares. Spread a thin, even layer of meat over one tortilla, top with another tortilla, and repeat to make two stacks, using half the tortillas and meat for each stack.
04 - Press each stack gently but firmly. Cut into 2-inch rectangles, then push skewers through the layered pieces so the tortilla and meat are held tightly together.
05 - Stir the melted butter, olive oil, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, parsley, and a pinch of salt together in a small bowl.
06 - Grill the skewers over medium heat for 10-14 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes. Brush with the lemon-garlic baste during the last 4 minutes, watching closely so the honey does not burn.
07 - Remove the skewers when the center of the meat reaches 160°F. Rest for 5 minutes, then serve with yogurt sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh vegetables.

# Good to know:

01 - For best texture, spread the meat in thin layers rather than thick patties.
02 - Wooden skewers should be soaked for 30 minutes before grilling.
03 - Ground beef should reach 160°F in the center before serving.

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