Deliciously Simple Pakistani Seekh Kebabs in Under an Hour Perfect for Picky Eaters

Hello, food lovers! If you're craving a quick weeknight dinner that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy, you're in for a treat. Today, we’re making the delicious Pakistani style seekh kebabs. These kebabs are loaded with flavor and spices, yet they're also incredibly easy to make. Let’s jump right in!

The Flavorful Foundation

Creating flavorful seekh kebabs starts with the right spices.

First, let’s focus on freshly grinding coriander and cumin. The aroma of freshly ground spices transforms the cooking experience. For an extra flavor punch, toast these spices in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the mix. This simple step intensifies the flavors significantly and gives your kebabs that unforgettable taste.

Grind coriander and cumin seeds (cumin not pictured) then toast in a dry pan (optional)

Mixing It All Together

Now for the fun part! It’s time to combine our ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, use your choice of ground meat. Beef, chicken, or lamb all work beautifully. For instance, 1 lb of ground chicken will yield about 8 sizeable kebabs, perfect for a family meal of 3-4 people.

Next, incorporate the freshly ground spices, ginger garlic paste, one half finely chopped onion, a handful of fresh cilantro, and if your family loves a bit of heat, consider adding one or two finely chopped green chiles for that spicy kick.

But if your little ones are picky about flavors, skip the chiles for a milder version. This flexibility makes the recipe family-friendly and suitable for various taste preferences!

Add spices to the meat mix: 2 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp ground cumin seeds, 1 1/4 salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp garam masala, 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste, sprinkle Kashmiri chili powder

Finely chop onion and green chiles (if using, skip for mild!)

Add onion, chiles, cilantro and mix! Wear gloves if using hands as the chiles will burn your hands!

Marination and Shaping

To maximize flavor, let your kebab mixture marinate for at least an hour in the refrigerator. If you're pressed for time, don’t worry! You can cook them right away, and they will still be tasty.

Shaping the kebabs is a straightforward process. Traditionally, you would use skewers to create the classic seekh style. Mold a handful of the meat mixture around the skewer until it’s even and firm.

If time is tight, form the mixture into patties for a Chapli style kebab. To ensure even cooking, shape the patties about 1/2 inch thick. Whichever way you choose to shape them, they’ll be delicious!

Cooking Time: The Perfect Pan-Fry

Next, let’s pan-fry our kebabs. Heat about two tablespoons of oil or ghee in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the kebabs in the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop that perfect crispy crust.

Monitor them closely to avoid overcooking. You want a nice brown exterior that locks in the juicy goodness inside. Cooking in batches can help maintain the heat of the pan, creating a better sear.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your seekh kebabs are ready, let’s talk about serving! My family loves pairing these kebabs with simple ghee rice, a fresh side salad, lemon wedges for a burst of flavor, and a cooling yogurt dip known as raita.

Raita not only complements the spices but also balances the dish beautifully. Serve it by mixing one cup of yogurt with finely chopped cucumber, cilantro, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Feel free to get creative with the sides—a flatbread or naan is also a wonderful option to soak up the juices!

Serve these delicious kebabs with ghee coriander rice, salad, raita, and lemon for a full meal!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! A delightful recipe for Pakistani/indian style seekh kebabs that can be enjoyed in under an hour. This dish pleases everyone at the table, from young kids to adventurous eaters.

I would love to hear how this recipe works for you. Drop a comment below and let me know about your experience!

Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!

Follow me on instagram or facebook for full videos! @megansfreshkitchen

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb ground meat (using lamb)

2 tsp coriander seeds (freshly ground)

1 tsp cumin seeds (freshly ground)

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 tsp garam masala

2 tsp garlic ginger paste

Pinch of Kashmiri chili powder (skip for more mild)

1/2 onion chopped

1/2 cup cilantro/coriander chopped

1-3 Serrano green chiles (skip for mild or use mild pepper)

Directions:

1. Prepare seasonings and veggies

2. Add meat, seasoning, veg to a bowl and mix by hand (use gloves or peppers will burn!) or use spoon.

3. Add 1-3 tbsp oil to a pan over medium. Add kebab and cook 2-4 min per side, you want it cooked through but not burnt!

4. Serve with rice, salad, lemon and onion or sides of choice!