Smashed Beef Kebabs with Za'atar, ROOT MATES & Celebration Cucumber Sauce

By Kimarie Santiago | SALTOPIA Products: Za'atar Spice Blend, Garlic & Onion Salt: ROOT MATES & Lemon & Dill Low Sodium: CELEBRATION

Meet your new favorite weeknight dinner flex. Smashed beef kebabs take the crispy-edged magic of a smash burger and marry it with bold Middle Eastern flavor — seasoned generously with our Za'atar Spice Blend and Garlic & Onion Salt: ROOT MATES for a deeply savory, herb-forward crust. Served alongside a cool, creamy cucumber sauce made with plain Greek yogurt and our low-sodium CELEBRATION seasoning, this dish is a full flavor experience in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes  |  Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Smashed Beef Kebabs

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1½ tsp SALTOPIA Za'atar Spice Blend
• 1 tsp SALTOPIA Garlic & Onion Salt: ROOT MATES
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for the griddle or pan)
• Flatbread or pita for serving
• Sliced tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley for topping

Celebration Cucumber Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
• 1 tsp SALTOPIA Lemon & Dill Low Sodium: CELEBRATION
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)

Instructions

Make the Cucumber Sauce First

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean towel or paper towels.
2. Stir together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, CELEBRATION seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic (if using).
3. Refrigerate while you prepare the kebabs — it gets better as it sits!

Make the Smashed Kebabs

1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, Za'atar, ROOT MATES, cumin, and black pepper. Mix gently — don't overwork the meat.
2. Divide into 4–6 equal balls (about 2–3 oz each).
3. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. Add olive oil.
4. Place a beef ball on the hot surface and immediately smash flat with a spatula or burger press. Hold for 10 seconds.
5. Cook 2–3 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy, then flip and cook 1–2 more minutes.
6. Repeat with remaining balls.

Assemble

1. Warm your flatbread or pita.
2. Layer with smashed kebabs, a generous spoonful of cucumber sauce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
3. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and a pinch of Za'atar to finish.

🔥 Note: The key to that crispy crust is a screaming hot pan and resisting the urge to move the meat. Let it sear undisturbed for the full 2–3 minutes!

🥬 Pro Tip: Make the cucumber sauce up to a day ahead — the flavors deepen beautifully overnight and it doubles as a dip for veggies or pita chips.

Bold, herby, crispy, and cool — this one’s a keeper. 🥩✨