Persian Iranian Maahi Kabab Fish Recipes

MAHI SORKH SHODEH (PERSIAN FRIED FISH)

Steps:

• Crush saffron threads to a powder in a small mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl with 1 tablespoon boiling water. Stir, cover, and set saffron water aside.
• Combine flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, turmeric, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder on a large plate.
• Dry fish well with paper towels. Cut into 3-inch long pieces and season with salt. Dredge fish in the flour mixture on all sides.
• Heat oil in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add fish and fry on one side until nice and golden, about 7 minutes. Flip fish, drizzle saffron water over top, and fry the other side until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5 more minutes.
• Transfer fish to a serving platter. Squeeze orange juice over top and serve with orange and lime wedges.

KABAB KUBIDEH - PERSIAN GRILLED GROUND MEAT

Steps:

• Drain the juice from the grated onion very well.
• Mix all ingredients well; cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Divide the meat into 10-12 portions.
• Press each portion around long metal skewers and shape evenly (you're looking for a sausage shape).
• Place the skewers a few inches away from the grill coals.
• Turn frequently to brown and then cook each side for a few minutes.

PERSIAN BEEF KEBABS

Steps:

• Trim any excess fat from the steaks, cut into 1-inch cubes, and place in a large nonreactive bowl.
• Place onion, garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, and saffron or cumin, in a food processor and process until smooth. Pour mixture over meat, toss to coat, cover and marinate 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.
• When ready to cook, heat grill to medium heat (350 degrees F) and oil well. Thread meat on skewers, leaving at least 1/2-inch space between each piece of meat. In a small bowl and the tomatoes, drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat thoroughly. Place meat and tomatoes on grill. Cook meat, turning once, until charred and medium-rare, about 7 to 10 minutes. Cook tomatoes, turning rarely, until blistered and soft, about 10 minutes.
• Remove meat from skewers and have guests assemble their own sandwiches with meat, tomatoes, lavash, yogurt, and cilantro.

KABOB KOOBIDEH (PERSIAN GROUND MEAT KABOBS)

Steps:

• Shave onions with a grater into a fine mesh strainer. Gently press pulp into the strainer to remove juices. Place pulp into the center of the cheesecloth and gently press until no further juice drips out.
• Place lamb and beef in a pot. Add green onion and onion pulp; mix until thoroughly combined. Mix in baking powder, salt, pepper, sumac, and turmeric. Add eggs and mix thoroughly. Cover the pot and place in the refrigerator until flavors have melded, at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Mold meat mixture onto the skewers.
• Cook on the preheated grill, rotating every minute, until nicely browned on all sides, and meat is no longer pink in the center, about 25 minutes.