Ottoman-Style Spicy Beef Skewers
Inspired by the culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire, these Spicy Beef Skewers capture the spirit of the past with a modern twist. As Alton Brown narrates, Turkish mercenaries used to grill their meat on swords out in the field, combining the simplicity of natural ingredients with the bold flavors of spices. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner, this recipe blends smoky paprika and earthy cumin with a hint of garlic-infused richness, offering a truly authentic taste of Turkish cuisine.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef sirloin steaks
1 1/2-2 lbs (cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes)
garlic cloves
3 cloves (minced)
smoked paprika
2 teaspoons (or 1 teaspoon Hungarian hot paprika)
ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
red wine vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Cut the beef sirloin steaks into 1 1/2-inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl or large resealable plastic bag.
2
In a food processor, combine minced garlic, smoked paprika (or Hungarian hot paprika), ground turmeric, ground cumin, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
3
Add red wine vinegar into the mixture and blend. While the processor is still running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the marinade is well combined.
4
Pour the marinade over the beef cubes, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers, ensuring about 1/2-inch space between each piece.
6
Grill the skewers with the lid lowered, turning every 2 to 3 minutes for a total cook time of 8 to 12 minutes (8 minutes for rare, 12 minutes for medium).
7
Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the skewers from the grill and wrap them in aluminum foil. Let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind Ottoman-Style Spicy Beef Skewers?
This dish is inspired by the traditions of the Ottoman Empire and Turkish mercenaries who grilled meat on swords in the field.
What type of beef is best for these skewers?
The recipe calls for beef sirloin steaks for the best results.
How should the beef be prepared?
The beef sirloin steaks should be cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes before marinating.
What spices are used in the marinade?
The marinade includes smoked paprika, ground turmeric, ground cumin, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
Can I substitute smoked paprika?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of Hungarian hot paprika as an alternative to smoked paprika.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What liquids are used to make the marinade?
The marinade uses 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar and 1/2 cup of olive oil.
How long should the beef marinate?
For the best flavor, marinate the beef in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours.
Is a food processor necessary for the marinade?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the garlic, spices, vinegar, and oil into a well-combined mixture.
How should the oil be added to the marinade?
While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is well combined.
What temperature should the grill be?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for cooking the skewers.
How much space should be left between beef pieces on the skewer?
Ensure there is about 1/2-inch of space between each beef cube on the skewers.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
The skewers should be grilled with the lid lowered.
How often should I turn the beef skewers while grilling?
Turn the skewers every 2 to 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
How long does it take to grill the beef to rare?
Grill the skewers for a total of 8 minutes for rare doneness.
How long does it take to grill the beef to medium?
Grill the skewers for a total of 12 minutes for medium doneness.
What should I do after removing the skewers from the grill?
Wrap the skewers in aluminum foil immediately after removing them from the grill.
How long should the meat rest?
Let the beef rest for 2 to 3 minutes inside the foil before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Does this recipe contain any turmeric?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is described as spicy, utilizing paprika and black pepper for heat.
Who is the narrator associated with the historical context of this dish?
Alton Brown provides the narration regarding the historical use of swords by Turkish mercenaries.
Can I use a plastic bag for marinating?
Yes, a large resealable plastic bag or a mixing bowl can be used to coat the beef in marinade.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Ottoman, Turkish, spicy, beef, grilled, kabobs, skewers, barbecue, summer, and Alton Brown.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is cumin used in this dish?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies using red wine vinegar.
Is this dish suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, it is specifically noted as perfect for a summer barbecue.
What is the size of the beef cubes?
The beef should be cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes.