Kabab Tabei is a quick and easy Persian pan-made kabab, perfect for those who don’t have access to a grill. This juicy, flavorful kabab is made with seasoned ground meat, onions, and spices, then pan-fried to perfection. It’s often served with Persian rice (Chelo) and grilled tomatoes, making it a delicious and convenient alternative to traditional grilled kababs.
Kabab Tabei (کباب تابهای), meaning “pan-made kabab”, was developed as a home-friendly alternative to traditional Persian kababs, which are typically grilled over charcoal. This practical dish became popular in urban homes, where grills were not always available.
This simplified kabab retains the rich, spiced flavors of classic Persian kababs, while being quick and easy to prepare. Today, Kabab Tabei is a household favorite, often served as a comforting weeknight meal with Persian rice and grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Kabab Mixture:
500g ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
1 large onion, grated and squeezed to remove excess juice
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp ground sumac (optional, for tanginess)
For Cooking & Serving:
2 tbsp butter or oil
2 medium tomatoes, halved
Fresh parsley or sumac (for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Kabab Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, grated onion, and spices. Knead well for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined. Cover and let rest for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator for better flavor.
Shape & Cook the Kabab:
Heat butter or oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Flatten the kabab mixture evenly across the pan, about 1 cm (½ inch) thick. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown. Using a spatula or knife, cut the meat into strips or small patties. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, until fully browned and cooked through.
Cook the Tomatoes:
In the same pan, place tomato halves. Cook for 5 minutes, until slightly charred and softened.
Serve & Enjoy:
Arrange the kabab pieces on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley and sumac. Serve with steamed Persian rice (Chelo) or fresh Lavash bread. Enjoy with grilled tomatoes, home-made fries (optional) and yogurt-based sauces like Mast-o-Khiar (Persian yogurt with cucumber).
