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Persian Beef Skewers

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat, kebab

Persian Beef Skewers

Persian Beef Skewers, or "Kebab-e Kubideh," find their roots in the everyday kitchens of Iran. Unlike their restaurant counterparts, these skewers are crafted with a careful touch, using salt judged by hand and generous amounts of fat. They're a staple at home tables, especially during informal gatherings when the family seeks comfort in familiar, shared flavors.

The skewers offer a tender bite, infused with the warmth of cumin and the subtle sweetness of onion. Each piece of beef is a burst of juicy flavor, kissed by the grill's heat. This dish is meant to be enjoyed communally, inviting everyone to savor and share, creating a moment that's both simple and rich in tradition.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • as neededskewers
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by finely grating 1 onion into a large mixing bowl. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Add 1 tsp cumin, and season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine the spices and onion thoroughly with the beef cubes.
  2. Add 800 g beef cubes to the bowl with the onion mixture. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the beef.
  3. Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to prevent burning.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the skewers. Brown the beef on all sides until it develops a deep, rich color. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the cubes.
  5. Once browned, reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the beef to cook until it is tender, turning occasionally. The beef should be cooked through but still juicy, with a slight char on the edges.
  6. Remove the skewers from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. Taste a piece of beef and adjust for salt if necessary, sprinkling a little more if needed.
  7. Serve the Persian Beef Skewers hot, accompanied by rice, bread, or a fresh salad. Arrange them on a platter for a communal dining experience, as is traditional in Persian home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Persian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Persian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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