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Beef kebabs have been a culinary delight enjoyed by people worldwide for centuries. The combination of succulent meat, marinated to perfection, and the smoky flavours from the grill create an irresistible treat for meat lovers.
As the Eid-ul-Adha is just around the corner, you might like to try different types of beef kebabs at home along with the traditional ones you constantly come across in local restaurants. Here are some of the most popular names in the world of beef kebabs.
Shish Kebab (Iraq and Jordan)
Shish Kebab, a classic kebab type found across the Arab world, is particularly popular in Iraq and Jordan. It involves marinating tender chunks of beef in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, paprika, and sumac.
The marinated meat is then skewered and grilled to perfection, creating succulent, flavorful kebabs.
Shish Kebabs are often served with flatbread, grilled vegetables, and a side of tangy yoghurt-based sauce.
Kabob Koobideh (Iran)
Kabob Koobideh is a traditional Persian kebab with ground beef mixed with grated onions, spices, and herbs. The mixture is kneaded and then shaped around flat metal skewers, creating long, cylindrical kebabs. The kebabs are grilled over an open flame, producing a juicy and flavorful delight.
Kabob Koobideh is commonly served with saffron-infused rice, grilled tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Its simplicity and incredible taste make it a favourite among Iranians and kebab enthusiasts worldwide.
Churrasco (Brazil)
Churrasco, a popular Brazilian kebab, showcases the country's love for barbecued meats. In Churrasco, large skewers of beef are slow-cooked over an open flame.
The beef is typically marinated in a mixture of salt, garlic, and spices, allowing the flavours to penetrate the meat.
The slow cooking process ensures the beef remains tender and juicy, while the caramelised exterior adds a delightful smoky flavour. People eat Churrasco with traditional Brazilian sides such as farofa (toasted cassava flour), feijoada (black bean stew), and chimichurri sauce.
Kofta Kebab (Egypt and the Levant)
It is a staple in many Arab countries, particularly Egypt and the Levant region. It consists of ground beef mixed with finely chopped onions, garlic, parsley, and a medley of spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. The mixture is shaped into long, cylindrical kebabs and grilled to perfection.
Kofta Kebabs are incredibly flavorful, with a slightly charred exterior and a juicy, tender interior, served with flatbread, hummus, tahini sauce, and pickles.
Souvlaki (Greece)
Souvlaki, a Greek specialty, is a tantalising combination of marinated beef, skewered and grilled to perfection. The beef is typically marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, infusing it with a refreshing Mediterranean flavour.
Once cooked, the souvlaki is sometimes wrapped in warm pita bread, accompanied by tangy tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs. This popular street food is a must-try for anyone visiting Greece.
Satay (Indonesia)
Satay, a beloved Indonesian kebab, showcases the perfect marriage between tender beef and aromatic spices. Thin strips of beef are marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and turmeric. The marinated beef is then skewered and grilled over charcoal, imparting a smoky charred flavour.
Satay is commonly served with a rich and spicy peanut sauce, along with a side of rice cakes or cucumber salad. The combination of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours makes satay an irresistible treat.
Shish Taouk (Lebanon and Syria)
Shish Taouk is a beloved kebab variation that originated in Lebanon and Syria but has gained popularity throughout the Arab world. It features tender chunks of marinated boneless chicken or beef, skewered and grilled to perfection.
The meat is typically marinated in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and aromatic spices such as cumin and sumac. The result is succulent, juicy kebabs bursting with a harmonious combination of tangy and savoury flavours.
Tikka Kebab (Saudi Arabia, Gulf and South Asian Countries)
Tikka Kebab is a popular kebab variety widely enjoyed in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. It typically features bite-sized chunks of beef, marinated in a blend of spices, yogurt, lemon juice, and sometimes tamarind paste for a tangy kick. The marinated meat is skewered and grilled over hot coals, resulting in tender and smoky kebabs.
It is best served with fragrant saffron rice, grilled tomatoes, and a side of creamy garlic sauce.
Shish Tawook (Levant and Egypt)
Shish Tawook is enjoyed in the Levant region, including Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt. It features boneless chicken or beef chunks, marinated in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, tomato paste, and a blend of spices such as oregano, paprika, and cinnamon.
The marinated meat is skewered and grilled until tender and slightly charred. Pita bread, garlic sauce, pickles, and a side of refreshing salad are usually companions.
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