Pakistani Seekh Kebab Recipe – Pakistani Special

Seekh Kebabs are a popular Pakistani dish made with spiced ground meat, shaped onto skewers, and grilled to perfection. These kebabs are packed with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a smoky charred flavor. Traditionally cooked over charcoal, they can also be made on a stovetop or in the oven. Perfect for BBQs, gatherings, or a quick meal with naan and chutney. Let’s get started!
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time35 min
- Course
- CUISINE
- Pakistani
For the Kebabs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb (preferably with some fat)
- 1 small onion, finely grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for color)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala (optional, for tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan), lightly toasted (for binding)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil (for moisture)
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon oil (for grilling or pan-frying)
- Skewers (metal or wooden, soaked if using wooden)
For Garnish & Serving:
- Sliced onions
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh cilantro
- Mint chutney
- Naan or paratha
Prepare the Kebab Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion (squeezed dry), cilantro, mint, green chilies, garlic, and ginger paste.
Add salt, cumin, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, paprika, black pepper, chaat masala, and lemon juice.
Mix in toasted gram flour and melted butter to help bind the mixture.
Knead well for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and sticky. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help it firm up.
Shape the Kebabs:
Lightly grease your hands with oil. Take a portion of the meat mixture and shape it around a skewer, forming a long, even kebab.
Repeat until all the mixture is used. If not using skewers, shape into small patties instead.
Cook the Kebabs:
Grill Method: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and cook the kebabs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.
Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan or skillet with 1 tablespoon oil and cook kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked.
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway. For extra char, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
Serve:
Remove kebabs from skewers and serve hot with sliced onions, lemon wedges, fresh cilantro, and mint chutney.
Pair with naan, paratha, or basmati rice for a complete meal.
Recipe Notes:
Meat Choice : A mix of beef and lamb gives the best flavor. Use meat with at least 15-20% fat for juicy kebabs.
Binding Tip : Removing excess water from onions prevents the mixture from becoming too soft.
Smoky Flavor : For an authentic BBQ taste, place a hot coal in the bowl with the kebab mixture, add a drop of oil, cover, and let it smoke for 5 minutes before shaping.
Serving Suggestion : Serve with yogurt raita, tamarind chutney, or a fresh salad for a delicious meal.