Şiş Kebab, also known as Shish Kebab, is a popular Turkish dish that consists of marinated meat skewered and grilled. Here’s a step-by-step process to make delicious Şiş Kebab:
Ingredients
- 1 kg boneless lamb, beef, or chicken (cut into 1-2 inch cubes)
- 1 large onion, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated onion, minced garlic, plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and tomato paste.
- Add the paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Ingredients need to mix properly for thoroughly combined.
- Marinate the Meat:
- Add the cubed meat to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours and Cover the bowl with plastic wrapping, preferably overnight. It will make the meat to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Prepare the Skewers:
- If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Thread the marinated meat onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You can use a charcoal grill for a smoky flavor or a gas grill.
- Grill the Kebabs:
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for lamb or beef, and 165°F (74°C) for chicken.
- Serve:
- Serve the Şiş Kebabs hot, traditionally with rice or flatbread, grilled vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes), and a fresh salad.
- Optionally, you can serve with a side of yogurt sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
Tips
- To get the best results chose a tender cut of meat. Lamb shoulder, beef sirloin, or chicken thighs are good options.
- Don’t skip the marinating time. Allowing the meat to marinate for several hours enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the skewers. Leaving some space between the pieces ensures even cooking.
Enjoy your homemade Sis Kebabs!
