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Tortilla Kebabs with Garlic Butter and Cilantro Yogurt Dip Recipe

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4 from 40 reviews

Tortilla Kebabs combine seasoned ground beef layered between flour tortillas, sliced, skewered, and cooked to a juicy, flavorful perfection. This versatile dish offers grilling, air frying, baking, or pan-searing options and pairs wonderfully with a creamy cilantro yogurt dip or garlic butter baste.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Lean Ground Beef
  • 6 extra large Flour Tortillas
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1 medium white onion, finely diced (if grated, strain liquid)
  • 6 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1/3 Cup Chopped Parsley

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Cumin powder
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Coriander powder
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Salt

Garlic Butter Baste (Optional)

  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Cilantro Cream Sauce Dip (Optional)

  • 1 Cup Plain Yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 Garlic Cloves
  • 1/3 cup chopped Cilantro (about one small bunch)
  • 1 Lemon, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds lean ground beef, diced red bell pepper, finely diced white onion, minced garlic cloves, chopped parsley, and all the spices including paprika, cumin, garlic powder, coriander, oregano, pepper, and salt. Using your hands, thoroughly mix everything until well incorporated. Set aside.
  2. Trim and Layer Tortillas: Stack the 6 extra large flour tortillas and trim their edges to form roughly 10-inch squares. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over 5 tortillas, then stack them atop each other. Top with the final tortilla. If there’s leftover meat, spread it on the last one.
  3. Slice the Stack: Using a sharp knife, slice the layered tortillas vertically into 4-5 long sections. Flip each slice upwards and turn so they lay side by side with the meat layers facing up.
  4. Insert Skewers: Carefully insert 4-6 wooden skewers through the stacked slices to keep them together — the number depends on the size of your tortillas. Then, cut in between each skewer to separate into individual kebabs, resulting in 4-6 pieces.
  5. Make Garlic Butter Baste (Optional): Melt butter and stir in minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush this garlic butter mixture over the kebabs before cooking. Alternatively, chili oil can be used for basting.
  6. Cook the Kebabs: Choose your preferred method:
    • Grilling/Searing: Heat a cast iron skillet lightly oiled over medium heat. Sear kebabs for 3-4 minutes on each of their four sides until cooked thoroughly.
    • Air Frying: Spray the air fryer tray with cooking oil. Place kebabs in the tray and air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 15-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook in batches if needed.
    • Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place kebabs on a parchment-lined or sprayed wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 20-22 minutes, flipping once halfway. Adjust time to preference; about 18 minutes if you want slightly pink inside.
  7. Cilantro Cream Sauce (Optional): In a blender, combine plain yogurt, chopped cilantro, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons water for a thinner consistency if desired.

Notes

  • Use a very sharp knife to easily slice through the tortilla kebabs.
  • For easier slicing, refrigerate the layered tortillas for 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes before cutting.
  • If you prefer, substitute lean ground chicken instead of beef. Freeze the chicken mixture slightly before slicing for better results.
  • Cooking methods are flexible: air frying, pan-searing, grilling, or baking all work well.
  • Try different dips or sauces to suit your taste.
  • Garlic butter baste can be replaced by chili oil for a different flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Depending on slicing, yields about 6 servings or 4 large servings.
  • Low-carb option: use low-carb tortillas.
  • Gluten-free option: use gluten-free tortillas.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/tortilla-kebabs-with-garlic-butter-and-cilantro-yogurt-dip-recipe/