Taiwanese-style Ćevapi

Ingredients

While the original Bosnian Ćevapi is made with a mixture of ground meats and served with bread, the Taiwanese-style adaptation focuses on marinating the meat in a flavorful sauce and grilling it on skewers. The Taiwanese version also incorporates local spices and seasonings to enhance the taste and create a fusion of flavors. 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 garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional) 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 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): 3g, 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, five-spice powder, white pepper, and chili powder (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Take the marinated meat mixture out of the refrigerator and shape it into small cylindrical pieces, similar to the shape of the original Ćevapi.
5. 5.
   Thread the meat cylinders onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
6. 6.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred.
7. 7.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and pork — Use lean cuts of meat for a healthier option and ensure the meat is well-mixed with the seasonings for maximum flavor.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to reduce the salt content.
• Oyster sauce — If you have a shellfish allergy, substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a similar flavor profile.
• Five-spice powder — Adjust the amount of five-spice powder according to your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
• Bamboo skewers — Soaking the skewers in water prevents them from burning during grilling.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra tenderness, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the meat mixture before marinating.
• Serve the Taiwanese-style Ćevapi with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the skewers in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce to enhance the taste.
• Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding fresh chili peppers to the meat mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese-style Ćevapi hot off the grill as a main course. Accompany it with steamed rice or sticky rice for a complete Taiwanese meal experience. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled meat skewers on a platter, placing them parallel to each other for an appealing visual presentation. Drizzle a little extra sesame oil on top and sprinkle some sesame seeds for an added touch of Taiwanese flair.