How to Cook Perfect Shashlik: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer Methods for Juicy, Flavorful Meat

Name: Shashlik
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 2lb of pork or lamb, cubed; 2 onions, chopped; 1/2 cup of vinegar; 1/2 cup of sunflower oil; 1 tsp of salt; 1 tsp of black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp of fresh chopped dill; 1 green bell pepper, chopped

How to Make Tender, Flavorful Shashlik in a Slow Cooker: Infuse Deep Flavors with Minimal Effort

Use the slow cooker to marinate and cook your shashlik over several hours. The low heat helps tenderize the meat while allowing the marinade to fully infuse the flavors. You can add vegetables and herbs to make it a complete dish while preserving moisture.

Cook Shashlik in No Time with the Instant Pot: Pressure Cooked for Fast, Juicy Results

The Instant Pot’s "pressure cook" function allows you to cook shashlik quickly while still achieving tender and juicy meat. You can also use the "saute" function to sear the meat first, locking in juices and enhancing the flavor before pressure cooking.

Achieve Perfectly Crispy Shashlik with an Air Fryer: Grill-like Texture without the Outdoor Grill

Use the air fryer to cook your shashlik skewers to crispy perfection. The "air crisp" function creates a grilled effect, giving the meat a nice char while keeping it juicy inside. It’s a great way to enjoy the shashlik experience without needing an outdoor grill.

Tips and Suggestions on Shashlik

Choosing the right meat

Shashlik is traditionally made with lamb, but it can also be made with beef, chicken, or pork. It's important to choose a meat that is tender and easy to cook on skewers. Try to avoid meat with too much fat or connective tissue, as this can make it tough.

Marinating the meat

Marinating the meat is essential to the flavor of shashlik. The marinade typically includes vinegar, oil, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. It's important to marinate the meat for at least 6 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Skewering the meat

Skewering the meat can be a challenge, as it needs to be evenly distributed and secure on the skewer. Try to keep the meat in similar sizes and shapes for even cooking. Use flat skewers or metal ones instead of bamboo skewers, as they are sturdier and won't burn.

Proper grilling

Grilling shashlik requires a steady heat source, such as a charcoal grill. It's important to not cook the meat over too high heat, as this can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Flip the skewers regularly to ensure even cooking.

Proper serving

Shashlik is typically served with rice, vegetables, and a variety of sauces. It's important to remove the meat from the skewers before serving and to allow it to rest for a few minutes to prevent juices from escaping. Use a sharp knife to slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Classic Shashlik Recipe

                        Ingredients
                        2 lb of pork or lamb, cubed
2 onions, chopped
1/2 cup of vinegar
1/2 cup of sunflower oil
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp of fresh chopped dill
1 green bell pepper, chopped

                    

                        Instructions
                        In a large bowl, mix the cubed meat, chopped onions, vinegar, sunflower oil, salt, black
                                pepper, bay leaf, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Cover and marinate in the
                                refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the grill or broiler to high.
Thread the marinated meat onto skewers, alternating with pieces of chopped green bell
                                pepper.
Grill or broil the skewers for 10-12 minutes on each side, until the meat is cooked
                                through and charred.
Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving.

                    

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 60 min

Total time 90 min

                        Nutrition Facts
                        Calories: 300
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Protein: 25 g

                    

Variations for Shashlik, Sekwers

Shashlik Marinated in Vinegar

This version is made with tender pieces of meat marinated in vinegar, enhancing flavor and ensuring juicy, delicious shashlik that's perfect for grilling.

Vinegar shashlik

Shashlik Marinated in Lemon

This version is made with succulent meat marinated in zesty lemon juice, imparting a bright, tangy flavor perfect for grilling shashlik.

White wine and lemon marinated shashlik with vegetable rice and pickled red onion

Pork Shashlik

This version is made with succulent pork marinated in spices and herbs, delivering a rich, savory flavor that's perfect for grilling shashlik.

Pork Shashlik with Spicy Red Wine Marinade

Shashlik Marianted in Onions

This version is made with tender meat marinated in savory onions, enhancing its flavor and tenderness, resulting in deliciously juicy shashlik.

Khorovats (Armenian Shish Kebabs)

Georgian Shashlik

This version is made using traditional Georgian spices and herbs, marinating the meat for a rich, aromatic flavor that elevates every bite.

Georgian Shashlik (Mtsvadi)

Lamb Shashlik

This version is made with succulent lamb, marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, creating tender, flavorful skewers that are irresistible.

Lamb Shashlik in White Wine Marinade

Traditional Shashlik