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With a variety of marinades and combinations, you can tailor kebabs to suit any taste.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to cooking perfect kebabs at home.
Ingredients
For approximately 4 servings, you will need:
For the Marinade:
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Kebabs:
500g boneless chicken breast or thigh, beef, lamb, or a mixture
1 red onion, cut into chunks
1 green pepper, cut into chunks
1 red pepper, cut into chunks
200g cherry tomatoes
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Marinade
Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Step 2: Preparing the Meat and Vegetables
Cut the Meat: Cut your chosen meat into 2.5cm (1-inch) cubes. This size ensures even cooking and allows the marinade to penetrate effectively.
Chop the Vegetables: Cut the red onion and peppers into similar-sized chunks, roughly 2.5cm (1-inch) pieces. Leave the cherry tomatoes whole.
Step 3: Marinating
Combine Meat and Marinade: Add the meat cubes to the bowl of marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to develop.
Optional – Marinate Vegetables: If you like, you can marinate the vegetables as well, but keep them separate from the meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Assembling the Kebabs
Thread the Skewers: Alternate threading the meat and vegetables onto the skewers. For example, start with a piece of meat, followed by a chunk of red onion, a cherry tomato, a piece of green pepper, and then another piece of meat. Repeat until the skewer is full, leaving a bit of space at each end.
Step 5: Cooking the Kebabs
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or barbecue to a medium-high heat, about 200°C (392°F). If using an oven, preheat to the same temperature and use the grill setting.
Grill the Kebabs: Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 75°C (165°F) for chicken and 63°C (145°F) for beef or lamb.
Oven Method: If using an oven, place the kebabs on a baking tray and grill, turning occasionally, for 15-20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes: Serve your kebabs with fluffy couscous, a fresh green salad, or warm pita bread.
Sauces: Accompany with a tangy yoghurt sauce, spicy harissa, or a classic garlic mayonnaise.
Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or coriander for a burst of freshness.
Tips for Perfect Kebabs
Even Cooking: Ensure all the pieces of meat and vegetables are cut to a uniform size for even cooking.
Skewer Choice: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning.
Resting Time: Let the kebabs rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring maximum flavour.
Conclusion
Cooking perfect kebabs at home is simple and rewarding, offering a delicious and customisable meal option. With the right marinade and careful preparation, you can achieve juicy, flavourful kebabs that are sure to impress. Whether grilled on a barbecue or cooked in the oven, these kebabs will become a favourite in your household. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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