Authentic Shami Kabab Recipe: (A Flavorful Indian & Pakistani Delight)

4 min readSep 14, 2023

Discover the exquisite flavors of Shami Kabab with our easy to follow recipe. Made from a blend of ground meat and aromatic spices these tender kebabs are a delightful appetizer or snack. Learn how to prepare this classic Indian and Pakistani dish step by step and savor the taste of homemade Shami Kabab. Perfect for gatherings or as a tasty snack these kebabs will transport your taste buds to a world of savory goodness.

Shami Kabab a popular Indian and Pakistani appetizer known for their flavorful blend of ground meat and spices:

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Shami Kabab

Follow the Youtube link for better understanding (https://youtu.be/e8zeqT_E01Q).

For the Shami Kabab:

1 cup boneless chicken or mutton (you can also use beef), washed and drained
1/2 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram), washed and soaked for 2 hours
1 small onion, roughly chopped
2–3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
2 cloves garlic for Shami Kabab
1-inch piece of ginger
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

Instructions for Shami Kabab

1/ Drain the soaked chana dal and set it aside.

2/ In a blender or food processor, combine the chicken or mutton, drained chana dal, onion, green chilies, garlic, and ginger. Blend until you get a fine paste.

3/ Heat a little oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.

4/ Add the meat and dal paste to the pan. Cook on medium heat, stirring continuously.

5/ Add coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and dries up. This should take about 15–20 minutes.

6/ Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

7/ Once the mixture has cooled, shape it into small, round patties or kebabs. You can grease your hands with a little oil to prevent sticking.

8/ Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the kebabs until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides.

9/ Remove the kabab from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Serving Shami Kabab

Serve the Shami Kabab hot with mint chutney or as a snack or appetizer.

Enjoy your homemade Shami Kebab! They are delicious on their own or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Your Authentic Shami Kabab Recipe

Use Good-Quality Meat: Choose high-quality boneless chicken mutton or beef for the best flavor and texture in your kebabs.

Soak Chana Dal Thoroughly: Ensure that the chana dal is soaked for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible, to soften it for a smoother texture in the kebabs.

Balanced Spices: Adjust the level of green chilies and red chili powder to your spice preference. For milder kebab reduce the amount of green chilies.

Consistency is Key: While blending the meat and dal, strive for a fine and smooth paste to achieve the desired texture in the kebab.

Cooking Time: Cook the meat and dal mixture until it thickens and dries up stirring continuously. This step is crucial for the right consistency.

Cool Completely: Allow the mixture to cool completely before shaping the kebab. Cooling helps in handling and shaping them easily.

Grease Hands: Grease your hands with a little oil when shaping the kebab. It prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands.

Uniform Size: Aim for uniform sized kebabs to ensure even cooking. This also helps in serving them consistently.

Fry Over Medium Heat: When frying the kebab use medium heat to achieve a golden-brown crust while ensuring the inside is cooked thoroughly.

Paper Towel Drain: After frying place the kebabs on a paper towel to absorb excess oil and keep them crisp.

Serve with Accompaniments: Shami Kabab pair wonderfully with mint chutney, sliced onions, and lemon wedges. Consider serving them in pita pockets or with flatbreads for a complete meal.

Make Ahead: Shami Kabab can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll create perfect, flavorful, and tender Authentic Shami Kebab that are sure to impress your family and guests. Enjoy your culinary adventure!