Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

PakistaniAuthentic Cuisine

Pakistani Grilled Skewers

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer meat, Appetizers

Pakistani Grilled Skewers

Pakistani Grilled Skewers, a beloved staple across the bustling cities of Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad, capture the essence of home-cooked simplicity and communal dining. Traditionally, this dish finds its place at family gatherings and festive occasions, where sharing a meal is as important as the meal itself. Each city adds its own subtle touch, but the heart of the dish remains the same — an embodiment of Pakistani hospitality.

The skewers offer a symphony of flavors, where tender lamb cubes are marinated with cumin and olive oil, allowing the natural richness of the meat to shine. The onions lend a subtle sweetness, while the salt and black pepper, measured by instinct, bring out the depth of each ingredient. The result is a dish that celebrates the joy of sharing, served hot and fresh, inviting everyone to partake in its hearty, satisfying embrace.

Ingredients

  • 600 glamb cubes
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the lamb cubes. Trim any excess fat from the 600 g lamb cubes and cut them into uniform pieces, about 1.5 inches each, to ensure even cooking. Peel and finely chop 1 onion, which will help infuse the lamb with flavor during marination.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lamb cubes, chopped onion, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp cumin. Mix thoroughly to coat the lamb evenly with the oil and spices. This step helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the aromatic flavors of cumin and onion.
  3. Season the mixture with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Let the lamb marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  4. Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow even heat distribution. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.
  5. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook the lamb skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the lamb is browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. The lamb should be slightly charred on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
  6. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing its tenderness.
  7. Finish by adjusting the seasoning with additional salt if necessary. Serve the skewers immediately, sharing them around the table as is traditional in Pakistani home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Pakistani Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Pakistani Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Pakistani Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Pakistani volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Pakistani cuisine