Kyrgyz Shishkebek
Marinated Meat Skewers
Shishkebek, with roots tracing back centuries, is a flavorful Kyrgyz dish of marinated meat skewers. Traditionally made with lamb or beef, it's seasoned with a generous amount of onions and cooked over specific types of wood to impart a unique smoky aroma. This adapted recipe brings the essence of this ancient dish to a modern kitchen, offering tender, juicy, and aromatic meat skewers perfect for grilling or broiling.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or beef (such as leg or shoulder), cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 Large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds, lightly crushed
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds, lightly crushed
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
- 8-10 Wooden or metal skewers
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the cubed meat with the thinly sliced onions. Add the vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, crushed cumin seeds, crushed coriander seeds, and smoked paprika (if using).
💡 Tip: Using your hands to massage the marinade into the meat helps to distribute the flavors evenly. - 2
Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the onions are well distributed and coated with the spices and oil. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
💡 Tip: Marinating overnight will yield the most flavorful and tender results. - 3
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
💡 Tip: Soaking wooden skewers is crucial for safe grilling. - 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or preheat your oven broiler. Thread the marinated meat onto the skewers, alternating with some of the marinated onion slices if desired. Avoid packing the meat too tightly, allowing for even cooking.
💡 Tip: Leaving a small space between meat pieces ensures better heat circulation and more even cooking. - 5
Grill or broil the skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and nicely browned with a slight char. The internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F) for medium-rare, or higher for well-done.
💡 Tip: Basting with any remaining marinade during the last few minutes of cooking can add extra flavor and moisture. - 6
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
💡 Tip: Resting the meat is a vital step for juicy and tender results. - 7
Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by fresh bread (like nan), a simple salad, or pickled vegetables.
💡 Tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked skewers can add a bright, zesty finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more authentic smoky flavor without traditional wood, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade or use wood chips on a charcoal grill.
- ✓If you don't have access to a grill, you can achieve good results by pan-searing the skewers in a hot cast-iron skillet, working in batches.
- ✓Consider adding chunks of bell pepper or tomato to the skewers for added color and flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- If using lamb liver, reduce the marinating and cooking time significantly to avoid toughness.