Beef Gyulbasi is a traditional Turkish dish, made with meat that’s seasoned and grilled to perfection. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or an indoor dinner party. The key to making a delicious beef gyulbasi is in the marinating process.
Let’s dive into the recipe for this mouth-watering dish.
: Ingredients
- 2 lbs. beef sirloin, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 tbsp. Turkish red pepper paste (or substitute with harissa paste)
- 1 tbsp. sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- Skewers
: Directions
1. Marinate the beef: In a large bowl, mix together onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, Turkish red pepper paste, sweet paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the beef cubes and coat them well with the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Soak the skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the beef cubes onto them. This will prevent the skewers from burning during grilling.
3. Thread the beef onto the skewers: Preheat your grill or griddle to medium-high heat. Thread the beef cubes onto the skewers, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
4. Grill or griddle the beef: Grill the beef skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. Serve: Take the beef gyulbasi off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with a side of Turkish rice pilaf and a simple tomato and cucumber salad.
: Tips
- You can substitute beef with lamb, chicken, or even vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust the amount of Turkish red pepper paste according to your taste preference. It adds a spicy kick to the dish.
- You can prepare the beef gyulbasi a day in advance and grill it when ready to serve. This dish tastes even better the next day.
Now that you know how to make your beef gyulbasi, it’s time to gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy this delicious Turkish dish together.