Turkmen Fish Shashlik
A delightful variation of the popular shashlik, this Turkmen version features marinated fish skewers grilled to perfection. It's a lighter yet flavorful dish, often enjoyed during warmer months or as part of festive meals.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Firm white fish fillets(such as carp, pike-perch, or sea bass, cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Dill(fresh, chopped)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 medium Red onion(cut into wedges, for grilling)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, cut into chunks, for grilling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
💡 Tip: Using fresh herbs will provide the best flavor. - 2
Add the fish cubes to the marinade. Gently toss to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
💡 Tip: Do not marinate fish for too long, as the acid can start to 'cook' it. - 3
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- 4
Thread the marinated fish cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of red onion and bell pepper if desired.
💡 Tip: Avoid packing the fish too tightly on the skewers to ensure even cooking. - 5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
💡 Tip: A well-oiled grill prevents sticking. - 6
Grill the fish skewers for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.
💡 Tip: Fish cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. - 7
Remove from grill and serve immediately. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
💡 Tip: Serve with a side of rice pilaf or a fresh salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose fish that holds its shape well when cut into cubes.
- ✓Adjust the herbs and lemon in the marinade to your taste.
- ✓You can also cook these under a broiler if grilling is not an option.
🔄 Variations
- Add cherry tomatoes or zucchini chunks to the skewers.
- For a spicier marinade, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.