Qatari Mishkak
The Quirky Foodster Team

Ingredients
- Beef or lamb, cut into small cubes — 600 g (1.3 lb)
- Garlic, minced — 4 cloves
- Ground cumin — 1 tbsp
- Ground coriander — 1 tsp
- Paprika — 1 tsp
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Lime juice — 2 tbsp
- Salt — to taste
Method
- Combine the meat with garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, oil, lime juice and salt, and let marinate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
- Thread the meat onto skewers.
- Grill over hot charcoal (or a hot grill pan), turning occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until charred outside and cooked through.
- Serve hot.
Introduction: Skewers of marinated, char-grilled meat, a popular Qatari street food sold from evening grill stands across the country.
Cultural Background: Mishkak is a familiar sight on Qatari streets in the evenings, small skewers of well-marinated meat cooked over open flame, offering a quick, flavourful bite for those out and about.
Tips: Marinate for as long as possible for the deepest flavour. Don't overcrowd the skewers — leave a little space between pieces for even charring.
Variations: Use chicken in place of beef or lamb for a lighter version. Serve with a side of khubz for a more substantial meal.
Storage: Refrigerate cooked mishkak in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a hot dry pan for 2–3 minutes per side, or briefly under a hot grill.
FAQs:
Q: Can this be cooked indoors?
A: Yes, a hot grill pan or broiler can approximate the charcoal-grilled effect.
Q: What is mishkak typically served with?
A: Bread or rice, and sometimes a simple salad.
- Beef or lamb, cut into small cubes — 600 g (1.3 lb)
- Garlic, minced — 4 cloves
- Ground cumin — 1 tbsp
- Ground coriander — 1 tsp
- Paprika — 1 tsp
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Lime juice — 2 tbsp
- Salt — to taste

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