Seekh Kebab – Spicy Grilled Minced Meat Skewers

Flavoursome Seekh kebabs with perfect blend of spices and grilled to perfection. These Pakistani style Seekh kebabs are perfect for appetizer or summer BBQ .

Seekh kebabs, which literally means meat cooked on a skewer, are a popular Pakistani and Indian grilled dish. Traditionally, authentic Seekh kebabs made in a clay oven (tandoor) or over a charcoal barbecue bring out the best smoky flavors. However, you can also easily make Seekh kebabs at home by pan frying, baking, or even air frying for a quick and convenient option.

This easy homemade Seekh kebab recipe is simple and foolproof, ensuring your kebabs stay tender, juicy, and flavorful without breaking or falling apart. The specially prepared homemade Seekh kebab spice mix provides the perfect balance of spices, enhancing the taste without overpowering the natural flavors of the meat.

To replicate the authentic smoky aroma of charcoal-grilled kebabs, I also infuse the minced meat with a subtle charcoal smoke flavor, delivering that unmistakable taste of traditional Pakistani Seekh kebabs grilled over charcoal.

Ingredients for Seekh Kebabs

• Ground Mince – Ideally use beef mince, but lamb or goat mince can also be used. Mince for kebabs usually require little bit of fat content as this helps to keep kebabs soft and moist. For this reason lean mince is not a great choice. If you still want to use lean mince add a tablespoon of butter.
• Onion – I use yellow but red onion can also be used.
• Green chili – You will need 3-4 green chillies, if you prefer less spice remove the seeds but don’t reduce the number of chillies.
• Coriander & Mint – fresh coriander/cilantro and mint leaves are essential for flavours and right texture of kebabs.
• Garlic & ginger – freshly minced garlic and ginger adds great flavour.
• Kashmiri red chilli powder – it’s a mild chilli powder as compared to red chilli powder. You can use paprika as an alternative.
• Spices – the secret ingredient for these kebabs is freshly made spice mix. I used cumin seeds, black pepper corns, coriander seeds and black cardamom. I lightly roast them and then grind them using mortar and pestle.
• oil – For pan-frying. You can also use butter for brushing if baking or air-frying.

How to cook Seekh kebabs

Seekh kebabs can be cooked in various ways. The authentic way is cook them over charcoal or clay oven (tandoor)

1. Charcoal bbq – Cooking Seekh kebabs over a charcoal barbecue is the traditional and most authentic method. Grill the skewers over hot charcoal, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and that irresistible smoky flavor.
2. Pan-Frying – For a convenient and easy option at home, pan-frying is very popular. Use a grill pan if possible to get those nice grill marks and to allow excess fat to drip away. This method delivers tender and juicy kebabs without needing outdoor equipment.
3. Air-Frying – Air frying Seekh kebabs is a healthier alternative that still produces great results. Brush the kebabs lightly with oil before placing them in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and moist interior.
4. Bake – Baking Seekh kebabs in the oven is another option, though it can sometimes make the kebabs a bit drier and darker in color compared to grilling or air frying. To prevent dryness, keep an eye on cooking time and temperature.

What Sort of Skewers to Use for Seekh Kebabs?

For authentic Seekh kebabs, long metal skewers are ideal as they conduct heat evenly and help cook the kebabs thoroughly, especially when grilling over charcoal or in a clay oven (tandoor). However, if you’re cooking Seekh kebabs at home using a pan, oven, or air fryer, using these long metal skewers might not be practical.

In those cases, flat wooden or bamboo skewers are a great alternative. To mimic the stability and heat conduction of metal skewers, I recommend using two bamboo skewers side-by-side and wrapping the top part with foil. This method helps the kebabs cook evenly without slipping off.

If you prefer a skewer-free option, you can simply shape the minced meat mixture into sausage-like logs by hand. These can be cooked directly on the grill pan, in the oven, or air fryer with excellent results.

Watch How to Make Seekh Kebab – Spicy Grilled Minced Meat Skewers

TIPS FOR MAKING PERFECT SEEKH KEBABS

To make perfect Seekh kebabs that are tender, juicy, and full of flavor, follow these essential tips for preparing and handling the minced meat:

• Use Fresh Mince for Seekh Kebabs
  To avoid watery kebabs that fall apart, always use fresh mince rather than frozen. If you only have frozen mince, make sure to fully defrost it, then place it in a colander and let it drain for at least an hour to remove excess water. You can also gently press the mince to squeeze out any remaining moisture. This step is crucial for moisture-free Seekh kebab mince.
• Avoid Over-Mixing the Minced Meat
  Over-processing the meat in a food processor can turn the mince into a paste, which affects the texture. For best results, pulse the meat lightly and finish mixing by hand kneading. This technique helps retain a slightly coarse texture that makes juicy and tender Seekh kebabs.
• Rest and Marinate the Mince Properly
  Letting the spiced mince rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before shaping improves flavor and binding. For the best-tasting homemade Seekh kebabs, marinate the mixture overnight. This allows the spices to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavorful and aromatic kebabs.

Freezing Seekh Kebabs

Seekh kebabs are ideal for freezing, making meal prep easy and convenient. To freeze homemade Seekh kebabs properly, first shape the kebabs and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze them individually on the tray to prevent sticking. Once frozen solid, transfer the kebabs to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for long-term storage.

When you’re ready to cook, thaw the frozen Seekh kebabs slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This method ensures they retain their shape, texture, and flavor, so you can enjoy delicious, juicy kebabs anytime.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH SEEKH KEBAB

Seekh kebabs are traditionally served as an appetizer alongside refreshing mint yogurt raita, fresh salad, and soft naan bread. These flavorful grilled minced meat skewers also make a satisfying main course when paired with the right sides.

For a tasty meal, try serving Seekh kebabs wrapped in warm naan or flatbread with a generous spread of homemade mint chutney and crunchy salad. This popular Seekh kebab wrap recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and highlights the bold spices and smoky flavor of the kebabs.

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