Shish Kebabs with Tahini Sauce

Shish Kebabs with Tahini Sauce Recipe from Lebanon - Full of Flavor and Aromatic Spices

Region / culture: Asia, Lebanon | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Shish kebabs with tahini sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for grilling season. The combination of tender sirloin steak, aromatic spices, and tangy tahini sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Shish kebabs have a long history that dates back to ancient times. The dish is believed to have originated in the Middle East, where skewered meats were cooked over an open flame. Over the years, shish kebabs have become popular in many different cultures and are now enjoyed all over the world.

Ingredients

6 cloves of garlic, crushed or 3 tbsp of garlic paste
0.5 cup of cold lemon juice
0.25 cup + 1 tbsp of canola oil, divided
1 tsp of kosher salt
0.5 tsp of ground allspice
0.25 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
2 lb (907 g) of sirloin steak, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large onions, cut into 8 wedges each
tahini sauce (recipe follows or use bottled)

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, combine garlic, lemon juice, 0.25 cup of oil, salt, allspice, cinnamon, and pepper.
Place beef in a large, sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.
Preheat a grill to high heat. Remove the beef from the bag and discard the marinade.
Brush the onions with the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
Divide the beef among 6 skewers and the onions among the remaining 3 skewers.
Grill the onions until they are charred and tender, approximately 10 to 12 minutes per side.
Grill the beef, turning it once or twice, until it is slightly charred but still pink in the middle, about 6 minutes.
Serve with the tahini sauce.

Variations

Use chicken or lamb instead of beef for a different flavor.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the skewers for a colorful and nutritious twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the beef for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

- Brush the onions with oil before grilling to prevent them from sticking to the grill.

- Cook the beef to medium-rare for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shish kebabs with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

- Drizzle extra tahini sauce over the kebabs for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the kebabs over high heat will give them a nice charred exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use olive oil instead of canola oil for a different flavor.

- If you don't have tahini sauce, you can use a yogurt-based sauce or a simple vinaigrette.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef and prepare the tahini sauce ahead of time to save time on the day of grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the shish kebabs on a platter with a drizzle of tahini sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the shish kebabs with a glass of red wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the kebabs in the oven or on the grill until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

35g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and sesame (in tahini sauce), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is high in protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Shish kebabs with tahini sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for grilling season. With tender sirloin steak, aromatic spices, and tangy tahini sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Shish Kebabs with Tahini Sauce. It was a warm summer evening, and my family and I were invited to a neighbor's backyard barbecue. The smell of grilled meats and vegetables filled the air, and I couldn't help but be drawn to the sizzling skewers of shish kebabs on the grill.

I watched in fascination as our neighbor carefully threaded pieces of marinated meat, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes onto metal skewers. He then placed them on the hot grill, turning them occasionally until they were charred and cooked to perfection. The aroma was absolutely tantalizing, and I knew I had to learn how to make these delicious kebabs myself.

The next day, I mustered up the courage to ask our neighbor for the recipe. He was more than happy to share it with me, explaining each step in detail and even offering tips and tricks for getting the perfect flavor and texture. I was grateful for his generosity and couldn't wait to try making the kebabs at home.

I gathered all the ingredients - fresh lamb cubes, colorful bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant onions. I marinated the meat in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and paprika, letting it sit for a few hours to soak up all the flavors. As the meat marinated, I prepared the tahini sauce, combining creamy tahini paste with lemon juice, garlic, and a splash of water to thin it out.

Once everything was ready, I carefully threaded the marinated meat and vegetables onto skewers, making sure to alternate the ingredients for a beautiful presentation. I fired up the grill and cooked the kebabs until they were golden brown and slightly charred, the meat tender and juicy, the vegetables sweet and caramelized.

As I plated the kebabs and drizzled them with the tahini sauce, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The flavors were incredible - the smoky char from the grill, the tangy marinade, the creamy tahini sauce. It was a dish that brought back memories of that summer evening barbecue and filled me with a sense of pride at being able to recreate it in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made these shish kebabs with tahini sauce countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I add extra spices to the marinade, or swap out the lamb for chicken or beef. Other times, I experiment with different vegetables or herbs to create a new flavor profile.

But no matter how many variations I try, the basic recipe remains the same - simple, yet bursting with flavor. It's a dish that never fails to impress guests at dinner parties or bring smiles to my family's faces at Sunday suppers. And every time I make it, I can't help but think back to that warm summer evening and the kind neighbor who shared his recipe with me.

So here's to the shish kebabs with tahini sauce - a dish that holds a special place in my heart and will always remind me of the joy of cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones. Cheers!