Shashlik (Central Asian Skewered Meat)

Shashlik is a traditional Central Asian dish of marinated meat skewers, typically made with lamb or beef, and served on a wooden spit. The cooking process involves rotating the skewers over an open flame, which results in a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Ingredients

Meat

• 500g lamb or beef, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Marinade

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

Optional: Additional Ingredients

• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Shashlik Sauce (optional)

Mix the following:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Recipe Steps

1. Preparing the Marinade

Combine the vegetable oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

2. Marinating the Meat

Add the lamb or beef cubes to the marinade mixture and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. Preparing the Shashlik Sauce (optional)

Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

4. Assembling the Skewers

Thread the marinated meat cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. If using, add diced onion and bell pepper on either side of the meat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

5. Cooking the Shashlik

Preheat a grill or outdoor cooking station to medium-high heat. Place the skewers over the heat and rotate every 2-3 minutes until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred.

6. Serving

Serve the shashlik hot with additional marinade sauce, if desired. Traditional