Mishkak (Omani Spiced Meat Skewers with Tamarind Sauce)
Local name: مشكاك
In short: Beef cubes marinated in garlic, ginger, vinegar and spices, grilled on skewers until charred and served with sweet-sour tamarind sauce. It takes about 42 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 4 h
- Total
- 42 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Mishkak are the skewers sold from roadside stalls in coastal Omani towns and cooked at family barbecues. Cubes of beef, lamb or chicken are marinated in garlic, ginger, chili, vinegar and spices, threaded onto sticks and grilled until charred at the edges. They are served with a sweet-sour tamarind sauce, flatbread and sliced onion. The marinade does the real work, so give it at least a few hours.
Instructions
- Mix the garlic, ginger, vinegar, oil, tamarind paste, spices and salt in a large bowl. Add the beef and toss until every cube is coated.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight. If you are using wooden skewers, soak 18 of them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Make the sauce: simmer the tamarind paste, sugar, water, garlic, cumin, chili powder and salt for 6 to 8 minutes, until syrupy. Cool it to room temperature.
- Thread the meat onto the skewers, leaving small gaps so the heat reaches every side.
- Heat a grill to high and oil the grates. Cook the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until charred in spots and cooked to your liking (63°C / 145°F for medium).
- Rest the skewers for 3 minutes, then serve with the tamarind sauce, red onion, lemon wedges and flatbread.
Tips
- Cut the cubes evenly and thread a little fat with the lean meat so the skewers stay juicy. Sirloin works well, while very lean cuts dry out.
- Chicken thighs work in place of beef. Marinate them for 2 to 4 hours, no longer, and grill for 10 to 12 minutes until they reach 74°C (165°F).
Questions and answers
Can I cook mishkak in the oven?
Yes. Lay the skewers on a rack over a tray and cook them under a hot broiler for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once or twice.
What is tamarind sauce made from?
Tamarind pulp, sugar, garlic and a little cumin and chili, simmered into a glossy syrup. It balances the heat and sharpness of the marinade.
How long can I marinate the meat?
Between 4 and 24 hours in the fridge for beef or lamb. Because of the vinegar, do not go beyond 24 hours or the texture turns soft.
How long does it take to make Mishkak (Omani Spiced Meat Skewers with Tamarind Sauce)?
About 42 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mishkak (Omani Spiced Meat Skewers with Tamarind Sauce)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 18 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
