Shashlik

Shashlik

Шашлик (shahsh-LEEK)

Grilled Lamb Skewers

Prep Time 4 hours
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 440 kcal

Cubes of marinated lamb threaded onto long metal skewers with alternating fat pieces, grilled over glowing charcoal until smoky, charred, and irresistibly juicy.

Nutrition & Info

440 kcal per serving
Protein 34.0g
Carbs 4.0g
Fat 32.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

long metal skewers charcoal mangal grill fan for coals

Presentation Guide

Vessel: metal skewers on platter

Garnishes: sumac, lemon wedges, sliced onion

Accompaniments: non bread, achichuk salad

Instructions

  1. 1

    Toss lamb cubes with grated onion, vinegar, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then marinate for three to four hours.

  2. 2

    Thread marinated lamb onto long skewers, alternating meat cubes with small pieces of tail fat for basting as they render on the grill.

  3. 3

    Prepare a charcoal mangal and let coals burn down to glowing white-hot embers with no active flames for even radiant heat.

  4. 4

    Grill skewers about ten centimeters above the coals, turning every two minutes for a total of eight to ten minutes cooking time.

  5. 5

    The shashlik is ready when the exterior is deeply charred with crispy edges but the interior remains pink and juicy at the center.

  6. 6

    Slide the meat off skewers onto a bed of sliced onion and fresh herbs, squeeze lemon and sprinkle sumac generously before serving.

💡

Did You Know?

Uzbek shashlik masters insist on using lamb tail fat between the meat pieces — the rendered fat bastes each cube continuously, creating unmatched juiciness.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • long metal skewers
  • charcoal mangal grill
  • fan for coals

Garnishing

sumac, lemon wedges, sliced onion

Accompaniments

non bread, achichuk salad

The Story Behind Shashlik

Shashlik is the quintessential Central Asian grill tradition, with roots in the nomadic Turkic practice of cooking skewered meat over open fires. In Uzbekistan, shashlik stands line every major road, and weekend family gatherings center around the mangal.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed outdoor gatherings and celebrations 📜 Origins: Ancient nomadic grilling

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