There exists a common misconception that South Asians and Indians primarily feast on vegetable-packed dishes because of their predominantly vegetarian culture. This is not true. Believing this myth would mean overlooking one of the greatest barbecue dishes ever created: lamb seekh kebab.
Nutritionists say that kebabs are a healthier fast-food option because they’re not deep-fried and include bread and salad. And like other revered barbecue dishes, lamb seekh kebabs are ultimately easy to make. When constructed correctly, it will create a tasty sear and smoky flavour and should arrive at you dripping its own fat. Where you order it will determine how it’s served.
This article will briefly highlight the unclear origin of lamb seek kebabs. In addition, it will highlight the ingredients that make this dish one of the top choices for any indoor or outdoor party.
What Is a Lamb Seekh Kebab?
Lamb seekh kebab is a delicious meaty appetiser that has evolved through the years. This popular dish is heavily seasoned ground meat; it’s a skewer cooked on a grill, in a clay oven, BBQ, or a traditional tandoor.
Seekh kebab has multiple versions, but the meat is flavoured with herbs and spices and cooked to juicy perfection. There are also a variety of side dishes. Lamb seekh kebabs are usually served with mint chutney or cucumber raita.
Also, there’s a misconception that seekh and shish kebabs are the same. However, the former is made of ground meat, while the latter is made of seasoned meat cubes.
When served as a main dish, lamb seekh kebab will serve four people and six to eight people if served as an appetiser.
Origin of Seekh Kebab
The origin of the seekh kebab is unclear. Its arrival into the South Asian canon of cuisine is famously attributed to the Mughal emperors. They were said to invade India in the 1500s and brought a penchant for tender meat grilled on skewers. They infused these kebabs with Indian spices. From there, kebabs became one of the most revered and affordable street foods across Pakistan, India, and other parts of the world.
What Ingredients Go into Lamb Seekh Kebabs?
A lamb seekh kebab is generally made of the following ingredients:
- Minced lamb – This is the traditional meat used to create seekh kebabs. Chefs often use boneless lamb leg, shoulder, or neck fillets.
- Oil – The best quality olive oil is often used to tell the flavour difference.
- Yogurt – Runny, natural yogurt is recommended.
- Garlic – Freshly crushed garlic is always the best to use. This is an essential part of the sauce, so it should be fresh and firm to the touch.
- Bell peppers – A mixture of bell peppers of different colours will create a pop of colour.
- Spices – These typically include ground coriander, cumin, cayenne, paprika and fresh parsley. You can even play around with the amounts of spices to suit your tastes.
- Lemon juice – Make sure it is a juicy lemon, otherwise, half won’t be enough, and you might need to use a whole one.
Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Seekh Kebab
Making the perfect Lamb Seekh Kebab is an art that requires patience, skill, and attention to detail. Our expert chefs have years of experience in making this dish, and they have shared some of their tips for making the perfect Lamb Seekh Kebab.
- Use lean lamb that is free of any excess fat. This will ensure that the kebab is juicy and tender.
- Mix the lamb with the spices and let it marinate for at least a few hours. This will allow the spices to penetrate the meat and give it a rich flavor.
- Mold the lamb onto skewers and cook it over a charcoal fire. The charcoal fire will give the kebab a smoky flavor that is hard to replicate with other cooking methods.
- Brush the kebab with butter or ghee while it is cooking. This will give it a rich, buttery flavor and make it even more delicious.
How to Properly Grill the Kebab
Grilling Lamb Seekh Kebab is a popular cooking method that imparts a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the meat. Here are some steps to properly grill Lamb Seekh Kebab:
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- Preheat the grill to high heat.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- Take the marinated lamb mixture and divide it into equal portions.
- Take each portion and form it around a skewer, making sure that it is evenly distributed and tightly packed around the skewer.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked through and the exterior is slightly charred.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the lamb has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once the Lamb Seekh Kebab is fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Lamb Seekh Kebab with a side of chutney or yogurt sauce.
By following these steps, you can grill Lamb Seekh Kebab to perfection, with a juicy and flavorful interior and a crispy exterior.
Is Seekh Kebab Healthy?
If you’re looking for a takeaway and not sure about lamb seekh kebab calories and cost, you don’t have to worry. It’s a healthier alternative because it isn’t greasy, although it also contains fats. One serving of seekh kebab contains 160 calories, 4g total carbs, 3g net carbs, 12g fat, and 9g protein.
Another reason you’ll find this dish delightful is that it’s an easy way to branch out of having lamb for a roast dinner. Lastly, and as briefly highlighted earlier, preparing lamb seekh kebabs is easy. They may take time to marinade, but the hands-on time is minimal, typically taking only 15 minutes to cook.
Experience Seekh Kebab in Melbourne
Are you visiting the Melbourne CBD corners and craving excellent and authentic lamb seekh kebabs from an Indian restaurant? Head to Indian Burrp, one of the premier authentic Indian restaurants in Cheltenham.
At our Indian restaurant, you’ll be sure to experience the different parts of India and have one of the best tables in town. We cater for dine-in reservations, deliveries, and takeaways. You can also book a table for any occasion, such as weddings, intimate dinners, or celebratory meals.
Explore our seasonal menu to find the dish you’ll pair with our excellent, flavourful, and juicy lamb seekh kebabs.