Cook · North Indian · Awadhi

Seekh kebab Seekh kebab

Spiced minced meat pressed onto skewers and grilled until charred and juicy. Because it is grilled rather than fried, the fat drips away, leaving a lean, high-protein kebab.

Non-vegetarian 26g protein North Indian

35 min

+ chill

4

serves

Medium

effort

Why this recipe works

Seekh kebab is a lean way to eat kebab. The mince is seasoned with onion, ginger-garlic, mint and spices, then grilled on skewers so the fat renders and drips away, unlike frying, which keeps it in. A little roasted gram flour helps it bind, and a spell in the fridge firms the mix so it holds on the skewer and chars well.

Ingredients

Method

  1. 1

    Mix the mince with the aromatics, spices and a little roasted gram flour.

    Why gram flour: a spoon of roasted gram flour absorbs moisture and helps the mince bind, so the kebabs hold their shape on the skewer.

  2. 2

    Chill the mixture for 30 minutes.

    Why chill: cold mince firms up and binds better, so it grips the skewer instead of sliding off during grilling.

  3. 3

    Press onto skewers into long kebabs.

  4. 4

    Grill, turning, until charred and just cooked, brushing lightly with oil.

    Why grill: grilling lets the fat drip away and adds a smoky char, making seekh kebab leaner than a fried kebab.

An honest word

Seekh kebab is one of the leaner, higher-protein kebabs: grilling drains the fat rather than sealing it in, and the meat is pure protein. The honest note, as with any mince dish, is to choose a leaner mince, since fattier mince means a richer kebab. With a fresh chutney and salad, it is a genuinely good high-protein choice.