Master Shish Kebab At Home With This Easy Recipe

Start by marinating meat in yogurt and spices for enhanced flavor. Assemble the kebabs with meat and vegetables on skewers. Grill until cooked and slightly charred. Serve with your favorite sauces and sides for a delicious meal.

Shish kebabs are delicious skewers made with marinated meat and vegetables. To prepare, marinate cubed meat in yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for at least an hour. Assemble the kebabs by threading meat and vegetables onto skewers, then grill them until cooked through. The grilling process takes about 10-15 minutes. Serve the kebabs hot with fresh herbs and dipping sauces. Enjoy them with pita bread or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb (450 g) meat (chicken, beef, or lamb), cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Skewers:

• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Meat

• Add the cubed meat to the marinade. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. This will enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

• While the meat is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Cut the bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes into even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly on the grill.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

• Once the meat is marinated, it’s time to assemble the kebabs. Take a skewer and thread on a piece of meat, followed by a piece of bell pepper, then onion, and continue alternating until the skewer is filled. Repeat this process until all the meat and vegetables are used up.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Grease the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Grill the Kebabs

• Place the skewers on the grill or in the oven. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred. The internal temperature for chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) and for beef/lamb around 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.

Step 7: Serve

• Once cooked, remove the shish kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and your favorite dipping sauce (like tzatziki or hummus).

Step 8: Enjoy

•  Enjoy your delicious homemade shish kebabs with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• Meat Choice: Chicken breast, lamb, or beef are great options for shish kebabs. Choose cuts with some fat for added flavor and juiciness.
• Marination Time: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the meat will be. Overnight is best.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use other vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and color.

With these steps, you can create a mouthwatering shish kebab that’s sure to impress your family and friends.