Japanese-style Ćevapi

Ingredients

While the original Bosnian Ćevapi are typically made with a mixture of ground beef, lamb, and spices, the Japanese-style adaptation incorporates traditional Japanese ingredients and flavors. This includes the addition of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, giving the dish a unique umami taste. We alse have the original recipe for Ćevapi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 250g (0.55 lb) ground pork 250g (0.55 lb) ground pork
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 1g, 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, soy sauce, mirin, grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Take a small portion of the meat mixture and shape it into a small sausage-like shape, about 5cm (2 inches) long and 2cm (0.8 inches) in diameter. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
3. 3.
   Thread the meat sausages onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
4. 4.
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and nicely browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Serve the Japanese-style Ćevapi hot, garnished with sesame seeds and accompanied by a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of grated ginger.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and pork — Use lean cuts of meat for a healthier option.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching your sodium intake.
• Mirin — If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a combination of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar.
• Ginger — Fresh ginger provides the best flavor, but you can use ground ginger as a substitute.
• Bamboo skewers — Soaking the skewers in water prevents them from burning during grilling.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of chili powder or Sriracha sauce to the meat mixture.
• Serve the Japanese-style Ćevapi with a side of steamed rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can grill the skewers over charcoal instead of using a grill pan.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as teriyaki or ponzu for variety.
• Leftover Japanese-style Ćevapi can be used in sandwiches or wraps for a quick and tasty lunch.

Serving advice

Serve the Japanese-style Ćevapi hot, either as an appetizer or as a main course. They are best enjoyed with a side of steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a refreshing green salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of elegance. Serve alongside the dipping sauce in a small bowl for easy access.