More Skewers for BBQ...

Meats, Veggies or both on skewers are the perfect BBQ menu option. They are more like little bites of different preparations, which allow guests to try more than one flavour. I find them so much like mini bites where we get to try many options.

Skewers can be very simple to prepare, just like in the picture above, where the flavour is derived straight from the meat, with a hint of the fresh bay leaf in between. The caramelisation of the meat's protein through subjection to high heat will produce an intense meat flavour. This is a perfect treat for meat lovers. This technique applies to steaks as well. the purists will prefer their steak to be grilled without being pre-marinated, and without sauces...etc. Just a bit of black pepper, salt & a little olive oil rubbed on it, is the perfect way to prepare steak for grilling. Any sauces, in this case, will be served on the side.
For those who prefer an elaborate marinade for meats before cooking, there is no limit to the varieties of marinades that you can prepare. You can soak your meats and vegetables in the flavours that you fancy to create flavoured skewers. The main aim of marination is to infuse flavours, and in some cases tenderise the meat.

Just like with anything a little bit of creativity can go a long way. Instead of going for the traditional metal skewer, why not try something new and make your own skewers that can also add to the flavour infusions? Try herbs like, rosemary, lavender stalks, or lemon grass skewers.... here is how you can use lemon grass for instance.

BBQ Fish On Lemon Grass Skewers

BBQ Fish on lemon grass  skewers

Straight from the shores of Bali

When you visit Bali, one of the main highlights of town are the night markets that come to life at dusk till late night. These are outdoor eateries that are famous around many of the Asian countries. They are a pure pleasure to  experience! The smells, flavours, action are not to be missed at all. A trip to Bali is not complete without trying the night market. Amongst the many exotic flavours you are definately going to find these BBQ fish Koftas on Lemon Grass, which are to die for. The lemon grass skewers were a brilliant idea, as you don't have to worry about getting the skewers back, which is very handy when catering...etc
When I had these, I feel in love with them, and had to have the recipe. So Chef Kumang, kindly agreed to share this recipe with me, which I have asked to share with you, and here you go...

You Need
(the ratio is 100g fish per skewer)

6 lemon grass sticks, trimmed
600g skinned boneless fresh fish fillet
1 cup desiccated coconut, moistened with water or coconut milk
2 tbsp red curry paste
5 lime leaves, chiffonade
3 red chilies, finely chopped (you can use less or you can discard the seeds for a less spicy option)
2tbsp sugar
Salt & ground black pepper to taste

In a food processor, place the fish fillets and process till totally minced.

In a large bowl, add all the other ingredients, and the minced fish. Mix well. take 100g fish and mould around the lemon grass skewers. BBQ over direct heat till done, and golden on all sides.

Lime Chicken Skewers
Chicken goes very well with the BBQ theme. You just have to have chicken on the menu. It is especially popular with the ladies and the weight watchers. This is an easy recipe that will be everyone's favourite. You can turn the heat up a bit with a finely chopped green chili, or you can keep it mild for the non-spicy lovers... This recipe works exceptionally well with Lemon grass skewers .

You Need
1/3 cup peanut oil
1 tbsp grated lime rind
1/4 cup lime juice

6 chicken breast fillets

1 tbsp brown sugar
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 bunch coriander, finely chopped

Rinse you chicken fillets, rub with lemon wedges and cut each fillet into 4 strips crosswise. 

In a large bowl, combine the chopped corriander, peanut oil, rind. Add the chicken strips, and marinate overnight (or at least 3 hours).

Place each chicken strip in a skewer, and BBQ till the chicken is browned all over and tender. 

In a small jar, place the garlic, lime juice, chilies (if using), 1/3 cup peanut oil or mixed nut oil, and brown sugar, shake well and serve alongside the chicken skewers.

The Greek Way With Beef 

Cubes with Tzatziki 

Tzatziki is the greek equivalent of the Middle Eastern Laban bikhyar (minted yoghurt and cucumber salad). the addition of lemon and cumin, make for a flavour variation that goes real well with beef. 

The beef being leaner than lamb, will benefit from the marination which in addition to enhancing the flavour acts as a tenderiser too.

You Need

For Beef

1kg beef cubes

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

a bunch of fresh oregano, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

For Tzatziki

1/2 kg natural or greek yoghurt

1 clove garlic, crushed

3-4 small cucumbers (lebanese cucumbers), peeled and finely, chopped

a handful fresh mint, finely chopped

a pinch cumin powder

a squeeze of lemon juice

salt & black pepper to taste

Make Tzatziki, by mixing all ingredients together to combine. refrigerate till ready to use.

In a large non-metal bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, oregano, and garlic. Add beef cubes, and toss to coat. cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 3 hours.

Drain the beef and discard the marinade. Skewer the cubes and BBQ to the preferred doneness. Serve with tzatziki.

Vegetarian Skewers

Cater for everyone

When entertaining, think of everyone, and all dietary needs. There is nothing more elegant than a host who caters for all. Use your favourite vegetables, and include as many as you like. These skewers will be loved by all, vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike...

You Need

Firm Tofu, cubed and marinated in a little lime juice and black pepper

Zucchini, cubes

Button mushrooms, whole

yellow capsicum, cubed

red onions, cut into wedges

red capsicum, cubed

Cherry tomatoes

For dressing

Caraway seeds

a pinch cumin powder

1 tbsp lemon thyme

rind of 1 lemon

i clove of garlic, crushed

1 cup olive oil

In a jar, place all dressing ingredients and shake well to mix. Transfer to a jug and drizzle on top of BBQ skewers.

Skewer the vegetables & Tofu, and BBQ till done. Drizzle with the dressing and serve.

You can prepare all vegetables, place them in a large bowl, drizzle with dressing, toss to coat and serve as a salad.

Along with your traditional, skewers recipes, you now have a variety to create an elaborate BBQ menu! Hope you have been enjoying the BBQ recipes, throughout April. Go ahead and have that BBQ party, before it gets too hot for the outdoors :)

Thank you for reading this post, hope you have enjoyed. Don't shy away, leave me a comment :)

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