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Culture & Lifestyle • Persian Cuisine

Koobideh

Koobideh is an Iranian grilled minced-meat kebab, usually made with ground beef, lamb, or a mix of the two.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Koobideh is an Iranian grilled minced-meat kebab, typically made with ground beef, lamb, or a combination of both. Seasoned with onion, salt, and pepper, the mixture is pressed onto flat skewers and grilled over high heat. This dish is a staple of Persian cuisine and is commonly served with rice and grilled tomatoes.

Description

Koobideh is a Persian-style kebab made from finely ground meat mixed with seasonings and shaped onto skewers. It is a staple of Iranian cuisine and is especially known for its soft texture and grilled flavor.

Name and etymology

The word koobideh is commonly linked to the Persian verb koobidan, meaning to pound, beat, or slam. The name refers to the traditional preparation of the meat mixture.

Preparation and serving

Recipes typically combine ground meat with onion, salt, and pepper, then knead the mixture until it becomes cohesive. Koobideh is usually grilled on wide skewers and served with rice, herbs, and grilled tomatoes.

Culinary significance

Koobideh is one of the best-known meat dishes in Persian cuisine and appears frequently on restaurant menus and at family meals. It is often paired with chelo kabab, a rice-and-kebab combination strongly associated with Iranian dining.

Key facts

  • Koobideh is a minced-meat kebab from Iran.
  • The meat is typically ground beef, lamb, or a combination.
  • Grated onion is a standard ingredient in many recipes.
  • It is shaped on flat metal skewers and grilled over high heat.
  • It is widely associated with Persian restaurant and home cooking.
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Canadian context

Koobideh is commonly found in Iranian and Persian restaurants across Canadian cities with large Iranian communities, including the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Vancouver.

Frequently asked questions

What is koobideh?
Koobideh is an Iranian grilled kebab made from ground meat, usually beef, lamb, or both, mixed with seasonings and cooked on skewers.
What does the name koobideh mean?
It is commonly derived from Persian koobidan, meaning to pound, beat, or slam, referring to the meat preparation.
What meat is used in koobideh?
Most versions use ground beef, lamb, or a blend of both.
How is koobideh cooked?
The meat mixture is shaped onto flat skewers and grilled over high heat, traditionally over charcoal.
What is koobideh served with?
It is usually served with rice, grilled tomatoes, herbs, and sometimes other accompaniments common in Persian meals.
Is koobideh specific to Iran?
Yes, it is strongly associated with Iranian and broader Persian cuisine, though similar minced-meat kebabs exist in neighboring food cultures.

References

  1. Persian Mama — https://persianmama.com/kabob-koobideh-grilled-minced-meat-kabobs/
    Supports: States koobideh is made with ground lamb, beef, or a combination of the two.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabab_koobideh
    Supports: Describes kabab koobideh as an Iranian minced-meat kebab and notes the Persian spelling and ingredients.
  3. Hami Sharafi — https://www.hamisharafi.com/free-recipes/kabab-koobideh
    Supports: Explains the name as related to pounding or slamming and describes traditional preparation.
  4. The Delicious Crescent — https://www.thedeliciouscrescent.com/kabob-koobideh-minced-meat-kebab/
    Supports: Describes koobideh as a Persian grilled meat skewer and notes its common serving with rice and tomatoes.
  5. Chef of Persia — https://chefofpersia.de/en/popular-persian-dishes/kabab-koobideh/
    Supports: States that kabab koobideh is one of the best-known meat skewers in Persian cuisine and describes the seasoning and skewer shape.