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Shashlik

The Quirky Foodster Team

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5
Servings

Ingredients

  • Pork shoulder, cut into cubes — 1 kg (2.2 lb)
  • Onions, sliced — 2
  • Vinegar — 120 ml (4 fl oz)
  • Oil — 60 ml (2 fl oz)
  • Paprika — 2 tsp
  • Salt and pepper — to taste

Method

  1. Combine the pork cubes with the sliced onion, vinegar, oil, paprika, salt and pepper, and marinate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
  2. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers, alternating with pieces of the marinated onion.
  3. Grill over hot charcoal, turning occasionally, for 12–15 minutes until charred outside and cooked through.
  4. Serve hot with fresh bread and a simple salad.

Introduction: Skewers of marinated, char-grilled meat, a beloved Russian barbecue tradition enjoyed at outdoor gatherings and street stalls.

Cultural Background: Shashlik is deeply woven into Russian summer culture, families and friends gathering around a grill in parks and countryside dachas, the marinated meat cooked over open flame reflecting a cherished social and culinary tradition.

Tips: Marinate for as long as possible, ideally overnight, for the deepest, most tender result. Turn the skewers regularly for even charring on all sides.

Variations: Use lamb or chicken in place of pork for variations on the classic. Serve with a tomato-onion salad, a traditional accompaniment.

Storage: Refrigerate cooked shashlik in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a hot dry pan for a few minutes, or briefly under a hot grill.

FAQs:

Q: Where is shashlik typically enjoyed?

A: Outdoor gatherings, parks, and country dachas, especially during the warmer months, a cherished Russian social tradition.

Q: What marinade is most traditional?

A: A vinegar and onion-based marinade is classic, though variations using wine, kefir or mayonnaise also exist.