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Şiş Kebab, or Shish Kebab, is one of Turkey’s most iconic dishes, embodying the country’s love for bold flavours and communal dining. Known for its juicy, tender texture and smoky aroma, Şiş Kebab is a dish that delights the senses and brings people together.
Often served with a side of warm flatbread, fresh salad, and cool yogurt, it’s a meal that invites you to savour each bite while enjoying the vibrant culture it represents.
What Is Şiş Kebab?
Şiş Kebab, pronounced “shish kebab,” is a traditional Turkish dish made by marinating cubes of meat, often lamb or chicken, before threading them onto skewers and grilling them over an open flame.
“Şiş” means skewer in Turkish, and “kebab” refers to the method of cooking meat over heat, a technique that has become central to Turkish cuisine. These kebabs are grilled until perfectly charred on the outside, while the inside remains tender and flavourful.
What makes Şiş Kebab unique is the way the marinade, typically made from olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a mix of spices, infuses the meat with layers of flavour.
This is not just a quick meal; it’s a carefully crafted dish that embodies the Turkish approach to cooking, simple ingredients elevated through time honoured techniques. Served straight from the grill, Şiş Kebab is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients and Taste
The magic of Şiş Kebab lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. The meat, often lamb or chicken, is marinated with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices like paprika, cumin, and thyme.
This combination not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with a balance of savoury, tangy, and earthy notes. The skewers may also include vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes, which add colour, texture, and a hint of sweetness when grilled alongside the meat.
The flavours are bold but balanced, with the marinade enhancing the natural richness of the meat rather than overpowering it. When grilled, the meat develops a slight char that adds a smoky depth, while the juices from the marinade keep it succulent.
Each bite offers a harmony of smoky, tangy, and mildly spiced flavours that linger on the palate. Paired with a side of rice, flatbread, and a fresh tomato-cucumber salad, Şiş Kebab becomes a full and satisfying meal.
A Taste of History
The origins of Şiş Kebab trace back centuries, reflecting a rich history of nomadic traditions and cultural exchanges across the Ottoman Empire. The practice of cooking meat on skewers is believed to have originated with the Turks of Central Asia, who would grill meat over open flames while on the move.
As these nomadic groups migrated and settled in Anatolia, they brought their culinary traditions with them, which then evolved into the diverse kebab styles enjoyed throughout Turkey today.
In Turkish culture, kebabs have always been more than just food; they represent a communal dining experience. Şiş Kebab is often prepared for family gatherings, celebrations, and communal feasts, where the act of sharing food around a grill or dining table is central to the experience.
This dish embodies the Turkish values of hospitality and togetherness, inviting everyone to enjoy the simple pleasure of well-prepared food.
Şiş Kebab (Shish Kebab) Recipe
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb or beef (sirloin or tenderloin), cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
To begin, place the cubed meat in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, grated onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. The grated onion tenderizes the meat while infusing it with flavour.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the meat mixture. Use your hands to mix thoroughly, massaging the marinade into each piece. For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a more intense flavour.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers work just as well and do not require soaking.
Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high (around 200°C or 400°F). If using an oven, line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top to allow even cooking.
Thread the marinated meat onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Avoid packing the pieces too closely, as this can cause uneven heat distribution.
Place the skewers on the grill or in the oven. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked to your desired doneness. For a classic Şiş Kebab, aim for a slight char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving plate. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is flavourful and succulent.
Serve the Şiş Kebab hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Traditionally enjoyed with warm flatbread, rice pilaf, or a side of fresh salad. A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of sumac adds a touch of brightness, enhancing the kebab's rich flavors.
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