Russiangeorgian Pork Shashlyk Food

GRILLED PORK KEBABS / SHASHLIK

Steps:

• To prepare the meat: cut the meat into bite-size pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
• Grate the onions and then squeeze the juices. Reserve the juices and discard the pulp. (Note 2)
• In a large bowl, combine meat, onion juice, seasonings and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. (Alternatively, you can slice the onions and combine with the meat. However, onion juice tenderize the meat, so when sliced, they aren't as effective.)
• To grill the meat: preheat the grill over medium high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates.
• Thread the meat onto metal skewers and arrange them on a baking sheet.
• Once the grill is nice and hot, place the skewers on the grill and grill for about 8 minutes, turning on all sides. You can cover the grill for couple of minutes, but watch for flames. You don't want big flames burn your kebabs.
• To check for doneness: use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, get one asap! But in the meantime, cut into the biggest piece. If the juices are clear, it's ready!!!
• Serve immediately. (These grilled mixed vegetables are perfect side dish!)

RUSSIAN/GEORGIAN PORK SHASHLYK

Steps:

• Put all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly using your hands. The marinade should cover most of the meat. If it doesn't, add more vinegar and pomegranate juice in a 50/50% proportion.
• Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
• Thread pieces of meat onto wooden or metal skewers leaving at least 1/2 inch between the pieces. You can also alternate meat with onion rings, cherry tomatoes or other vegetables if you like.
• Grill for 15-20 minutes over hot ashes or charcoal (a gas grill will also produce acceptable results), turning skewers every five minutes and brushing the top with the marinade after each turn. Test for readiness by cutting through the meat - it must be medium-well to well done, very juicy and not overcooked.
• Serve with sliced tomatoes, peppers, raw onion rings, radishes and whole springs of parsley and cilantro.
• You will end up with a lot of leftover sliced onions from the marinade. It's delicious fried on a pan or grilled and may be served as a side for your shashlyk.

GRANDPA NICK'S GEORGIA SHASHLIK

Steps:

• Cut lemon in half and juice. Cut 2 rinds into chunks.
• Place lemon juice and rinds into a large glass or ceramic bowl with red wine, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper; mix well. Add lamb and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or up to 18 hours.
• Remove lamb from the marinade and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Thread lamb on to skewers.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Cook skewers, turning occasionally, on the preheated grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat reads at least 130 degrees F (60 degrees C) for medium, about 15 minutes.

UKRAINIAN SHASHLYK

Steps:

• Remove the bone and skin from the meat and cut off excess fat.
• Cut the meat into 1x2 inch pieces and put them into a bowl.
• Combine all the ingredients, pour over the meat, and mix thoroughly.
• Cover and let the mixture stand for 2 hours or longer at room temperature to marinate and tenderize the meat.
• This is very important for successful results.
• Drain the meat and pat dry each piece very thoroughly to prevent sputtering during cooking.
• Save the marinade for tenderizing roasts.
• Arrange the meat cubes on a skewer.
• Brush the filled skewers very generously with cooking oil.
• Place the skewers under the broiler close to strong heat.
• Turn the skewers every few minutes and baste frequently with cooking oil or with the fat that drips into the pan.
• Total broiling time will be about 12 minutes.
• Slip the meat off the skewers onto a hot plate and season with salt and pepper.
• When steamed rice is used, place the shashlyk over it and garnish attractively.
• Serve at once.