Burmese Chinese-style Spiced Meat Skewers

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the traditional Croatian Iločki ćevap with the vibrant flavors of Burmese Chinese cuisine. While the original dish features a combination of ground meats, this recipe focuses on a single type of meat, such as beef or pork, to highlight the flavors of the marinade. The spices used in the marinade are also adjusted to incorporate Burmese and Chinese flavors, creating a unique fusion dish. We alse have the original recipe for Iločki ćevap, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or pork
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped lemongrass, five-spice powder, soy sauce, fish sauce, and vegetable oil. 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 or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Take the soaked bamboo skewers and thread the marinated meat onto them, shaping them into small elongated cylinders.
5. 5.
   Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Serve the Burmese Chinese-style spiced meat skewers hot with a side of tangy dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release the aromatic oils, bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife before finely chopping them.
• Five-spice powder — If you don't have five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the bamboo skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning.
• For an extra burst of flavor, brush the skewers with a mixture of honey and soy sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.

Serving advice

Serve the Burmese Chinese-style spiced meat skewers as a main course alongside steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, placing a small bowl of tangy dipping sauce in the center. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the skewers for an attractive finishing touch.