Delectable and Authentic Homemade Kebabs: Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Lamb shoulder, cut into 2 cm cubes
  • 1 large Onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Coriander
  • 1 tablespoon dried Thyme
  • 4 Wooden skewers, soaked in water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, and thyme. Mix well to form a marinade.
  2. Add the cubed lamb to the bowl. Toss to coat the lamb evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
  3. Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
  4. Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers. Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers.
  5. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally, until the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  6. Transfer the cooked skewers to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  7. Garnish with the chopped parsley and serve the kebabs hot, with pita bread and tzatziki sauce on the side.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - Used for mixing the marinade and coating the lamb cubes.
  • Grill or barbecue - Used for cooking the kebabs to perfection.
  • Wooden skewers - Soaked in water before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  • Cling film - Used to cover the bowl of marinated lamb cubes and refrigerate.
  • Plate - Used for transferring the cooked skewers and letting them rest before serving.
  • Tongs - Helps to turn the skewers while cooking on the grill.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken or Beef: Substitute lamb with chicken or beef cubes for a different flavor.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan option: Replace the meat with tofu cubes or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms marinated in a similar spice blend.
  • Spice variations: Experiment with different spice combinations such as adding chili powder for a spicy kick, or adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • Mediterranean twist: Serve the kebabs with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, and grilled vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Marinade variations: Customize the marinade by adding ingredients like yogurt, minced ginger, or honey to enhance the flavor profile.
  • Grilled vegetable kebabs: Create a separate skewer of marinated and grilled vegetables to accompany the meat kebabs.
  • Herb-infused kebabs: Experiment with adding different fresh herbs to the marinade such as mint, oregano, or rosemary.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace the pita bread with gluten-free bread or serve the kebabs over a bed of salad greens.

Recipe overview

This Kebab recipe is a flavorful and juicy grilled dish that is perfect for summer barbecues or any festive occasion. Originating from the Middle East, this recipe showcases tender cubes of lamb marinated in a combination of aromatic spices, herbs, and lemon juice, which are then skewered and grilled to perfection. The Lamb Kebab is not only rich in protein but also packed with mouthwatering flavors that can be adjusted to your taste. Cooking time is approximately 10-15 minutes on a medium-high heat grill, but preparation time does require at least 4 hours for marination to allow the flavors to infuse into the lamb. The result is delicious and tender kebabs that can be served with a side of pita bread and tzatziki sauce. This is a dish that is sure to impress at your next gathering or family meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of lamb? Yes, you can use beef, chicken, or even shrimp instead of lamb for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Do I need to marinate the lamb overnight? Marinating the lamb overnight is recommended to allow the flavors to fully develop. However, if you're short on time, marinating for at least 4 hours will still impart good flavor.
  3. Can I grill the kebabs indoors? Yes, you can use an indoor grill or a grill pan to cook the kebabs if you don't have access to an outdoor grill or barbecue.
  4. What can I serve with these kebabs? These kebabs pair well with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, grilled vegetables, and a fresh salad.
  5. Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones? Yes, you can use metal skewers if you prefer. Just make sure to handle them with oven mitts or tongs, as they can get hot during cooking.
  6. Can I freeze the marinated kebabs? Yes, you can freeze the marinated kebabs for later use. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Barbecue - Used to cook the kebabs over heat.
  • Wooden Skewers - Used to thread and cook the marinated lamb cubes.
  • Large Bowl - Used to mix the marinade with the lamb cubes.
  • Cling Film - Used to cover the bowl and marinate the lamb in the refrigerator.
  • Plate - Used to transfer and rest the cooked skewers before serving.
  • Tongs - Used to turn the skewers while grilling.
  • Chopping Board - Used to chop the onion and parsley.
  • Knife - Used to chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, and dried thyme.

Origin stories

Kebabs have a rich history that dances across the Middle East, with each region bestowing its own unique touch on the dish. The word 'kebab' itself is derived from Arabic and originally meant 'fried meat'. However, the concept of grilling meat on skewers was popular even in prehistoric times, an indication of its timeless appeal. The dish gained popularity during the Ottoman Empire when soldiers used their swords to skewer meat and then grill it over open field fires. In the modern day, kebabs span continents and cultures, with endless variations, truly making them a global culinary treasure. One can't help but marvel at the humble beginnings of this dish, from being a simple meal for soldiers to a beloved global phenomenon.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.