By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on September 23, 2023 | Last Updated on September 26, 2023
Authentic Persian beef kabobs are a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. A popular street food throughout the Middle East, these flavorful and moist kabobs are perfect for any occasion or gathering, from dinner parties to picnics in the park.
In this easy-to-follow guide, we will show you how to make delicious and authentic Persian kabobs. With just a few steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up an amazing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What is Persian Beef Kabob?
Persian Beef Kabob is an iconic dish of Middle Eastern cuisine that originates from Iran. It is made with ground beef, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices such as saffron, pepper, and lemon juice.
The kabob is formed into small oval shapes and then grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky flavor and juicy texture. This dish has become popular all over the world, particularly in Persian restaurants. It can be served as an appetizer or main course.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and easy dinner or looking to impress your guests with an authentic Persian meal, these kabobs are sure to satisfy you.
What does it taste like?
Persian kabobs are full of flavor. Ground beef is infused with aromatic spices that give it a deep complexity. When grilled over open flame, the kabob takes on a smoky flavor, while still maintaining its juicy texture.
The result is a delectably flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy the taste buds. The mild spiciness of the pepper, combined with the earthy notes of saffron and zing of lemon juice, make these kabobs a truly unique culinary experience.
How did I first get introduced to the Persian Beef Kabob?
My journey with Persian Beef Kabob began when I first visited the country of Iran. During my travels, I was captivated by the vibrant culture and incredible cuisine. As a food lover, I could not pass up the opportunity to try some of Iran’s most iconic dishes.
On one particular day, I stumbled across a street vendor selling kabobs. After inquiring about it, I was told that it was a dish passed down from generation – an authentic Persian Beef Kabob.
Out of curiosity, I decided to try a piece and immediately fell in love with its smoky flavor and juicy texture. It wasn’t until later that I found out how to make this delicious kabob. A local kindly offered to show me the steps and share a few of his own tips.
After several attempts, I was finally able to master this traditional dish and bring it back home with me. Since that day, Persian Beef Kabob has become a staple in my kitchen.
Whether served as an appetizer or main course for dinner parties, this dish always brings a smile to my guests’ faces. It is a unique way to experience the flavors and culture of Iran in every bite.
For me, Persian Beef Kabob will always be my go-to dish for bringing people together and creating unforgettable experiences.
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How to make Persian Beef Kabob?
Making Persian Beef Kabob is surprisingly easy and can be done in just five simple steps.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that adds richness to the flavor of the kabob. It is important to choose lean ground beef for this kabob.
- Onion: Onions add sweetness and depth to the dish. They also help to keep the meat moist while cooking.
- Salt: Salt helps to bring out the flavors in the ingredients, so it is important to use good quality salt for this recipe.
- Pepper: Pepper helps to balance the flavors of the dish and adds a little bit of heat.
- Saffron: Saffron is an intense spice that adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the kabob. It can be found in most grocery stores or online.
- Hot water: The hot water helps to dissolve the saffron and infuse its flavor into the kabob.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness to the dish and helps cut through some of the richness of the beef.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for cooking the kabob and helps to keep it from sticking to the pan. It also adds flavor and helps to keep the kabob moist.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion liquid, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with clean hands until fully combined.
Step 2
Form the mixture into small oval-shaped kabobs about 1 inch thick and 4 inches long.
Step 3
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, saffron, and hot water. Brush this mixture over the top of each kabob.
Step 4
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grease the surface with oil and carefully place the kabobs on the grilling surface.
Step 5
Grill each side of the kabob for about 3 minutes, flipping them over once until both sides are lightly charred. Remove from heat and serve.
Tips
- Use freshly ground meat to make your kabobs more flavorful.
- For extra flavor, you can add some minced garlic or fresh herbs to the mixture before forming into kabobs.
- To prevent sticking, make sure to lightly grease the grilling surface with oil before cooking.
- You can also wrap the kabobs with bacon strips before grilling for an extra layer of smokiness.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Persian Beef Kabob?
Persian Beef Kabob is best served alongside a variety of sides. A bed of fragrant basmati rice, flatbreads, and other grains make for excellent accompaniments. You can also top the kabobs with herbs such as parsley or mint for a fresh and fragrant garnish.
Roasted vegetables, pickles, and salad are also great options to serve with this delicious dish. For a little extra flavor, try serving the kabobs with a dollop of plain yogurt or a tangy relish.
How to store leftover Persian Beef Kabob?
Leftover Persian Beef Kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, simply place the kabobs on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. The kabobs can also be re-crisped on a skillet over medium heat.
When storing, make sure to keep the kabobs in an airtight container to preserve their moist texture. Another great option is to freeze any leftover kabobs for up to three months.
To do this, wrap each individual kabob in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Persian Beef Kabob can be a safe option for pregnant women, as it is made with lean ground beef and does not contain any ingredients that are on the “unsafe” list.
However, it is important to note that some of the spices used in this dish (such as saffron) have the potential to increase certain hormones which may not be suitable for pregnant women. Therefore, it is best to consult with a doctor or dietician before consuming this.
While lean ground beef is generally considered safe for pregnant women, the meat should always be cooked thoroughly and at the right temperature in order to reduce any potential risks of foodborne illness.
It is also important to make sure that all utensils and surfaces used for preparing the kabobs are clean.
To be extra cautious, pregnant women may also want to avoid consuming large amounts of Persian Beef Kabob at once as some spices used in this dish such as saffron can act as a diuretic which may lead to dehydration.
Persian Beef Kabob Recipe
Equipment
- bowl
- grill
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground meat, onion liquid, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix together with clean hands until blended.
- Form the mixture into oval kabobs approximately 1 inch thick and 4 inches long. Place onto a plate, ensuring each kabob is firmly together.
- Mix olive oil, saffron, and hot water together in a bowl. Brush this mixture over the top of each kabob.
- Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface with oil and place kabobs on the grilling surface.
- Grill each side of the kabob for about 3 minutes, flipping once until both sides are lightly charred. Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
- Use freshly ground meat to make your kabobs more flavorful.
- For extra flavor, you can add some minced garlic or fresh herbs to the mixture before forming into kabobs.
- To prevent sticking, make sure to lightly grease the grilling surface with oil before cooking.
- You can also wrap the kabobs with bacon strips before grilling for an extra layer of smokiness.
FAQs
Can I make a vegan version of this?
Yes! For a vegan version, you can use diced firm tofu instead of ground beef. To add more flavor to the kabobs, you can also add in some minced garlic and spices such as smoked paprika or cumin.
Is Persian Beef Kabob suitable for kids?
Yes, this dish is suitable for kids as it does not contain any ingredients that may be too spicy or strong for their palates. However, you can always adjust the seasoning to make it more mild if needed.
What can I do for a crispier exterior?
To achieve a crispier exterior on the kabobs, brush them lightly with some melted butter or oil before grilling. You can also place them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to get a crunchy exterior.
Can I bake this dish instead of grilling it?
Yes! To bake the kabobs, preheat your oven and place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes or until desired doneness is reached.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading through this guide to making Persian Beef Kabobs! Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, we hope you found the instructions and tips useful.
Please share this article with your friends and family! We also love hearing any feedback or tips you may have, so feel free to drop a comment.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
