Uzbek Shashlik Recipe

Uzbek Shashlik Recipe: A Central Asian Barbecue Classic

Shashlik is a dish widely enjoyed across Central Asian countries, Russia, and the eastern and southeastern regions of Turkey. A staple of any barbecue feast, Uzbek Shashlik showcases the natural and exquisite flavors of meat through a traditional recipe. Infused with the rich spices of Central Asian cuisine, this dish owes its flavor to both the spices and the smoky aroma of the grill. Since the recipe focuses solely on the meat, the quality of the meat and proper marination play a crucial role.

Preparing the Meat

The first step in preparing Uzbek Shashlik is cutting beef sirloin into large chunks. For this recipe, it’s essential to include the fat along with the meat. The fat prevents the meat from drying out on the grill and adds a unique flavor. As you cut, separate the fat from the meat but don’t discard it; include it in the marinade alongside the meat.

The onions in the marinade not only tenderize the meat but also impart a delicious aroma. Sprinkle cumin seeds, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt over the meat. These spices give the meat its distinctive flavor.

Marination with Sparkling Water

What sets Shashlik apart from other grilled meat recipes is its marination process with sparkling water. Pour the sparkling water over the meat and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Sparkling water helps tenderize the meat and allows the spices to penetrate more effectively. In Russian cuisine and other variations, sour cream is often used instead of sparkling water. You can also use sour cream or runny yogurt as an alternative, but sparkling water delivers exceptional results.

Resting the Meat

Another key tip for perfect Shashlik is letting the meat rest in the marinade for an extended period. This process tenderizes the meat significantly, so much so that you can feel its softness as you skewer it. Therefore, it’s best to prepare Shashlik when you have enough time, or even a day in advance.

Serve Shashlik with homemade lavash or flatbread. It pairs wonderfully with saucy salads like Shepherd's Salad or Tomato-Onion Salad.

Uzbek Shashlik is a simple yet unforgettable dish that you can prepare with minimal effort. It’s perfect for special occasions or when gathering with loved ones for a barbecue feast.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef sirloin, cut into large chunks (including fat)
• 2 onions
• 600 ml sparkling water
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt