Italian-American Grilled Skewers

Ingredients

Italian-American Grilled Skewers differ from the original Russian Shashlik in terms of flavor profile and ingredients. While Shashlik traditionally uses a marinade with vinegar and spices, the Italian-American version incorporates Italian herbs, garlic, and olive oil for a Mediterranean twist. Additionally, the original Shashlik often includes lamb or pork, whereas Italian-American Grilled Skewers commonly feature chicken or beef. The use of vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and onions further enhances the Italian-American influence. We alse have the original recipe for Shashlik, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), cut into chunks 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 250g (8.8 oz) cherry tomatoes 250g (8.8 oz) cherry tomatoes
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, basil, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken and beef cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated meat, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between ingredients.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Italian-American Grilled Skewers hot with a side of marinara sauce or a fresh green salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken and beef — Ensure the meat is cut into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Wooden skewers — Soaking the skewers in water prevents them from burning during grilling.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, brush the skewers with the marinade while grilling.
• Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
• If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Serve the skewers with a side of garlic bread or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
• If grilling is not an option, these skewers can also be cooked in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 15-20 minutes.

Serving advice

Italian-American Grilled Skewers are best served hot off the grill. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the skewers on a wooden board or a rustic platter. Sprinkle some chopped parsley over the skewers for a pop of color. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian touch.