...
Go Back
+ servings
Nepali Sekuwa (Skewered Grilled Meat)

Nepali Sekuwa (Skewered Grilled Meat)

Sekuwa is a traditional Nepali grilled meat dish marinated in yoghurt and bold spices. Skewered and roasted to smoky perfection, it delivers a tender and deeply flavourful bite in every piece.
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Nepal
Servings 4
Calories 386 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 600 g boneless chicken pork or lamb (cut into bite sized chunks)
  • 3 tbsp plain yoghurt
  • 1 tbsp mustard oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chilli powder adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp fenugreek seeds optional, for extra depth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander
  • Bamboo or metal skewers if bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine yoghurt, mustard oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala and salt. Stir until smooth and well blended. For a traditional touch, lightly toast fenugreek seeds and crush them before adding.
  • Add the meat pieces to the marinade and mix thoroughly using your hands to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavour development.
  • Preheat a grill to medium to high or set your oven to 220°C. If using an oven, place a rack over a baking tray to allow air circulation around the meat.
  • Thread the marinated meat onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to help them cook evenly. Avoid packing them too tightly to maintain airflow during grilling.
  • Place the skewers on the grill or oven rack. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure a nice char on all sides. Baste with a bit of oil or leftover marinade halfway through to keep the meat juicy.
  • Ensure the meat is cooked through and has a slight char. Chicken should be white and firm inside, pork or lamb should be tender with no raw centre. A meat thermometer should read at least 75°C for chicken.
  • Once cooked, let the skewers rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle and keeps the meat moist when served.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander over the meat. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice if desired. You can also lightly brush the skewers with melted butter for added richness.
  • Arrange the skewers on a platter. Serve with sliced onions, fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or Nepali achar (pickle) for a full experience.
  • Serve hot as a main course or appetiser. Traditionally, Sekuwa pairs beautifully with beaten rice (chiura) or flatbreads. Offer a side of tangy yoghurt dip or mint chutney to elevate the dish’s vibrant flavours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 386kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 26gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 402mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 273IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!