Russian Beef Shashlik Recipe
Russian Beef Shashlik Recipe
Russian Beef Shashlik Recipe is a popular dish in Russia, especially for grilling or barbecuing. It typically involves marinated chunks of beef, which are skewered and grilled to perfection.The marinade helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with savory, aromatic flavors. Below is a recipe for juicy and flavorful beef shashlik.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef (preferably sirloin, tenderloin, or any cut suitable for grilling)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minted
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- 3 tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps balance acidity)
- 200 ml (about 3/4 cup) cold water or beef broth
- For the skewers:
- Wooden or metal skewers (wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning)
- For grilling:
- Charcoal or a grill, preheated to medium-high heat
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Cut the beef into 1.5-inch cubes (around 3.5 cm), removing any excess fat.
- Transfer the beef cubes into a large bowl.
2. Make the Marinade:
- In a separate bowl, combine the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable oil, vinegar, soy sauce, paprika, cumin (if using), black pepper, thyme, and sugar (if using).
- Add the cold water or beef broth to the mixture and stir well.
- Tear the bay leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the marinade.
3. Marinate the Meat:
- Pour the marinade over the beef cubes and toss them to ensure each piece is well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This will help the flavors develop and tenderize the meat.
4. Prepare the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Once marinated, thread the beef cubes onto the skewers. Alternate with onion slices or vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes if desired for extra flavor.
5. Grill the Shashlik:
- Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure the meat is evenly browned on all sides.
- The beef should be slightly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, cook until 140-145°F (60-63°C).
6. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the shashlik with traditional accompaniments such as flatbread, fresh herbs, a side of grilled vegetables, and a dollop of sour cream or sauce. For a more authentic touch, you can also serve with Russian salads like Olivier salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.
Tips:
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the beef, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Overnight marination is ideal.
- Heat Control: If you’re grilling over charcoal, avoid placing the skewers directly over the hottest part of the grill to prevent burning. Cooking them over medium heat ensures even cooking and tender meat.
- Optional Add- INS: Feel free to add a few whole peppercorns, a splash of white wine, or even a little grated lemon zest to the marinade for extra complexity.
This recipe creates delicious, juicy, and flavorful shashlik that captures the essence of Russian outdoor grilling. Enjoy!
