Shandong-style Spicy Lamb Skewers

Ingredients

While the original Albanian Tespishte is a baked dish made with ground meat and vegetables, the Shandong-style Spicy Lamb Skewers are a grilled dish featuring marinated chunks of lamb. The flavors and spices used in the marinade are specific to Shandong cuisine, giving the dish a distinctively Chinese taste. Additionally, the cooking technique of grilling over an open flame adds a smoky flavor and charred texture to the lamb skewers, setting it apart from the original baked dish. We alse have the original recipe for Tespishte, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb leg or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) lamb leg or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 tablespoon dried chili flakes 1 tablespoon dried chili flakes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, soy sauce, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili flakes, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, rice vinegar, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the lamb pieces to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated lamb pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Shandong-style Spicy Lamb Skewers hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions, and accompanied by a side of fresh vegetables and a tangy dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — Choose high-quality lamb leg or shoulder for the best flavor and tenderness. Trim any excess fat before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Crush the peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to release their aromatic flavors.
• Bamboo skewers — Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more dried chili flakes to the marinade.
• If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili flakes.
• Serve the lamb skewers with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a soy-ginger sauce or a spicy peanut sauce, to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the lamb skewers on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler in your oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Shandong-style Spicy Lamb Skewers as an appetizer at a summer barbecue or as a main course for a flavorful dinner. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness and serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled lamb skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables. Serve the tangy dipping sauce in a small bowl on the side for guests to drizzle over the skewers.