Here is the most popular Keema Kabab recipe of South Asia, also known as Kacha Keema Kabab, Galouti Kebab, or Galawati Kabab. These juicy, tender, melt-in-mouth kebabs are prepared with ground mutton or lamb, mixed with aromatic Indian spices and a natural meat tenderizer like raw papaya. The result is soft, flavorful, and restaurant-style kababs you can easily make at home. Perfect as party appetizers, Eid dishes, or a special dinner recipe, these Pakistani-style Keema Kababs bring the authentic Lucknowi and Mughlai flavors to your kitchen.
1tsbpRoasted Chickpea powderbhuna channay ka powder – 1 Tbsp
1teaspoonLemon juice
½Beaten Egg
1teaspoonSalt
2teaspoonKacha PapitaGreen Papaya used as tenderizer (galawat). Substitute: Kachri Powder or meat tenderizer
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, add Mutton mince (keema), ginger garlic paste, onion paste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, roasted chickpea powder (buna chanay ka powder), lemon juice, and salt.
Now add green papaya paste (kacha papita) — this is the secret ingredient that makes the kebabs galawatdar (melt-in-the-mouth).Tip: If you don’t have papaya, use Kachri powder or a natural meat tenderizer instead.
Add chopped green chilies and fresh coriander for aroma and freshness.
Finally, pour in the half-beaten egg and mix everything well using your hands until the keema mixture becomes smooth and slightly sticky.
Marination Time
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the mixture for at least 1 hour (and up to 4–5 hours if you have time).This helps the meat absorb all the spices and tenderizer, giving it a soft and juicy texture.
Shape The Kebabs
Rub a little oil on your palms and shape the mixture into small, round patties (kabab patti).Keep the thickness medium — not too thin, not too thick — for even cooking.
Pan Fry The Kebabs
Heat oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat.
Once hot, place the kebabs gently in the pan and fry until golden brown on one side.Tip: Start on high heat to seal the moisture and lock in juiciness.Once one side gets a golden crust, flip and cook the other side on medium heat.Gradually reduce the heat to low and let the kababs cook from inside — this ensures soft, tender, melt-in-mouth texture.Total frying time: around 20 to 25 minutes.
Bake The Kebab
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.Place the shaped kababs on the tray — keep space between each piece.Brush kababs with a little oil on both sides to prevent drying.Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.For extra color, broil for 3–4 minutes at the end until golden brown.🧡 Result: Juicy, tender, evenly cooked kababs with less oil and rich flavor.
Air Fryer Kebab
Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes.Brush or spray a little oil on the air fryer basket.Place kababs in a single layer — don’t overcrowd.Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.Lightly brush with oil if needed for an even golden crust.🧡 Result: Crispy outside, soft and melt-in-mouth inside — perfect for guilt-free snacking!
BBQ Kabab (Dhungar Method)
Place the cooked kababs in a bowl.Heat a small piece of charcoal until red hot.Put it in a small metal bowl or foil cup, place it in the center of kababs.Add ½ teaspoon of ghee or oil on the hot coal and cover the lid immediately.Let it smoke for 3–5 minutes — then remove the coal.🧡 Result: A royal smoky aroma that takes your Galouti Kabab to the next level.
Serve
Your Kacha Keema Kabab (Galouti Kebab) is ready — soft, aromatic, and irresistibly juicy!Serve hot with Green Chutney, Tandoori Naan, or Paratha for a royal Mughlai-style meal.
Video
Notes
The magic behind soft, melt-in-mouth Galouti Keema Kababs lies in a combination of technique, spices, and natural tenderizers. Here’s what makes these Kacha Keema Kebabs so irresistible:
A small amount of grated or mashed raw papaya breaks down the meat fibers gently, creating silky, velvety minced meat without affecting flavor.
Finely Ground Meat (Keema):
Use fresh mutton or lamb keema ground at home or by your butcher. A fine texture ensures the kebabs hold together while staying soft and juicy.
Balanced Spices and Herbs:
Traditional Lucknowi spices like green chilies, ginger, garlic, garam masala, cardamom, and nutmeg elevate the flavor while maintaining a delicate balance — nothing overwhelms the meat.
Gentle Mixing and Resting:
Mix the keema and spices lightly by hand, then rest the mixture for 30–60 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the meat absorb the tenderizer for ultimate softness.
Low-Heat Cooking:
Whether pan-frying, grilling, or shallow frying, cook on medium to low heat. High heat can make the kebabs firm outside but undercooked inside.
Optional Touch:
Add a teaspoon of cream or yogurt while mixing for extra richness and juiciness — a trick used by many traditional chefs.
By following these secret steps, your Galouti Keema Kababs will have that restaurant-style melt-in-mouth texture, making them perfect for parties, dinners, or festive meals.