Seekh Kebabs (Bite-size version)

One dish that is really delicious year-round is the “Seekh Kebab.” This is simply a ground meat that is seasoned up with alot of spices and herbs and then put on skewers and either placed in a traditiona clay tandoor oven, or most common in homes; grilled or broiled in oven. Regardless of how you decide to cook them, the flavor is absolutely delicious and it tastes its best when its piping hot! And when it dipped into the Mint, Tamarind and/or Yogurt chutneys – you are immediately transported to “Kebab Heaven!”

I know this because I’ve been in Kebab Heaven many times. Coming back down to earth and looking at an empty plate is the hard part every time! Haha!

The recipe I want to share with you is a really delicious version of the Seekh Kebab and uses alot of fresh herbs and spices; all of it bringing alot of intense, yet delicious flavoring to the meat! Traditionally, Seekh Kebabs are made with ground lamb meat and this is still my #1 favorite meat of choice for this recipe because the mixture of the lamb, garlic and mint really works well together and is a very traditional flavor that I personally have loved while growing up!

But, I have also used Chicken and a meatloaf mixture in the past whenever I am unable to find ground lamb. The flavors are still delicious, the kebab meat still turns out really tender, juicy and full of great tasting ingredients in each bite!

The kebab is usually served off of long skewers, but the recipe I will show you today takes all the flavors and condenses them into small, bite-size portions that are perfect for snacking, using as appetizer, or even making into a Kebab Slider for fun! You can take this recipe and make it your own by making them burger-size or as the traditional skewer size. The “look” is up to you….the “recipe” is my job to give to you! LOL :O)

The recipe below is using a Meatloaf Mixture (veal, beef, pork), but again, you may use any meat of choice. (Just a side note: if you use turkey meat, add more butter into the mix so that you can maintain the juiciness of the meat as it cooks. Turkey tends to become a bit drier during the cooking process than other meats.)

Seekh Kebabs (Bite-size)

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2lbs of ground meat (chicken, lamb, turkey, meatloaf mixture)
• 1 egg
• 2/3 cup bread crumbs (seasoned/plain)
• 1 cup of freshly chopped mint
• 1 cup of freshly chopped coriander
• 1 cup of finely diced onions
• 1.5 Tbsp of ginger paste
• 1.5 Tbsp of garlic paste
• 1 Tbsp of salt
• 1 Tbsp of garam masala (freshly ground if possible)
• 1 tsp of freshly ground cumin seeds
• 2 Tbsp of butter (salted/unsalted)
• 1 tsp of cayenne chili powder (add more if desired)
• 1 pack of Shan-brand “Seekh Kebab” spice mix

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add your meat and all spice and herb ingredients (shown above)
2. Mix everything together till fully incorporated (mix by hand if possible to mix and help soften meat for kebab texture.)

3.  Once the kebab mixture is complete, take about a 1.5 Tbsp amount of meat and roll in hand. You want to make about an 1.5in diameter meatball.

4. Take the meatball and gently flatten it so it is about 2in. diameter or like an almost gently flattened circle, that is still thick. Do not press too hard and flatten completely. Place on foiled-lined baking sheet.

5. Continue step 3 and 4 until all meat is formed into kebab patties.

6. Place in oven on middle rack and broil for about 35-40 minutes or until you start seeing the kebabs puff up a bit and brown on top. You will know they are done because there will be a little pool of fat/oil around each kebab. Do not overbrown. (Avoid putting kebabs on Top Rack of oven otherwise they will burn on outside and remain uncooked inside. Also – they will result in a drier kebab.)

7. After cooking time, remove kebabs from oven and allow them to rest for about 3 minutes.

8. Serve HOT.

9. Serving Suggestions: You can place toothpicks into each kebab on serving dish, add into a mini slider with mint/tamarind/yogurt chutney on top, or eat inside a pita/naan sandwich with a fresh salad on top.

These kebabs turn out so mouthwatering! The meat is so tender and flavorful from all the herbs and spices. I hope you will take the time to make these kebabs for your family and/or next event! You will definitely be the star cook serving up some amazing eats!

Here is the link to purchase the Shan-brand Seekh Kebab mix: https://www.amazon.com/Shan-Seekh-Kabab-BBQ-Mix/dp/B003JK275E

If you make this recipe, definitely tag me on IG @cmspiceculture or feel free to comment below and let me know what you think!

Enjoy!