Georgian Shashlik (Mtsvadi)

This Georgian Shashlik or Mtsvadi recipe is a juicy, flavorful, and incredibly delicious dish that has been a family favorite for years. With just 4 simple ingredients, you can easily recreate this classic recipe at home and treat your family to a truly special meal.

When I was a child, no family event was complete without the smoky, savory taste of Shashlik. Originating from the Caucasus and Central Asia, this dish of skewered and grilled meat chunks has become a beloved part of our family tradition, and the best part is, you can use any meat you prefer, be it lamb, pork, beef, or chicken!

If you're a fan of the robust flavors in our shashlik recipe, you'll also enjoy exploring other traditional Georgian dishes. Try Khachapuri Adjaruli, a cheesy flatbread with an egg on top, or Satsivi, a chicken dish bathed in a rich walnut-garlic sauce. 

For a lighter side, my Georgian-style Baby Bell Peppers and Zucchini Salad is a simple yet delicious choice.

Jump to:

• Why This Is The Best Shashlik Recipe 
• Key Ingredients
• How to Make Shashlik
• Tips For Making the Best Shashlik
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variation Ideas 
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• How to Store Leftovers
• You'll Also Love These Recipes
• Recipe

Why This Is The Best Shashlik Recipe 

• Quick and Easy: This Shashlik recipe is easy to prepare. With a simple marinade and quick grilling, you'll have a delicious meal in no time using just 4 ingredients!
• Delicious: The combination of tender pork, fresh zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes makes this Shashlik irresistibly tasty.
• Classic Flavors: The Shashlik sauce, with its blend of cumin, garlic, and fresh herbs, brings a classic, time-tested flavor to the dish.
• Family Favorite: This recipe is a hit with all ages. It is a perfect meal to bring the family together around the dinner table and is a recipe that my family has been using for generations.
• Comfort Food: With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this Shashlik recipe is the ultimate comfort food.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses pork shoulder, a cost-effective cut of meat, making it a wallet-friendly choice without compromising on taste or quality.

Key Ingredients

Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

• Pork Shoulder: This is the main protein in our Shashlik, providing a rich, meaty flavor. The best part is that even though it’s an inexpensive cut of pork, it turns out absolutely delicious.
• Onions: Grated or thinly sliced, they add a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish.
• Zucchini: These add a fresh, light touch to the Shashlik, balancing out the richness of the pork.
• Cherry Tomatoes: They provide a burst of juicy sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish.

How to Make Shashlik

Making this incredible shashlik recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

Preparing the Mtsvadi

Combine ingredients in a bowl - Mix together pork, onions, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Once combined, cover the bowl with either a lid or plastic wrap and let it marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, or even overnight if possible.

Prepare your skewers - If you're using wooden skewers, it is important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. This step prevents them from burning when they're on the grill.

Thread the ingredients onto the skewers - Arrange the marinated meat, sliced zucchini, and tomatoes onto the skewers.

Preheat your grill - Set your grill to medium-high heat.

Grill the Shashlik - Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. To guarantee that Shashlik is fully cooked, remove a piece from the skewer after 15 minutes and slice it in half. If there's no pink in the center, your Shashlik is ready.

Making the Shashlik Sauce

Blend the sauce ingredients - Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is creamy. Serve the sauce immediately with the Shashlik.

For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Tips For Making the Best Shashlik

• Choose the right cut of pork: For this recipe, pork shoulder is the best choice. It is tender and flavorful, perfect for grilling.
• Marinate for maximum flavor: Combine pork, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl and let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.
• Soak the skewers: If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before you start grilling your shashlik. This will help to sear the meat quickly, locking in the juices and flavor.
• Check for doneness: After grilling for 15 minutes, remove one piece and slice it in half. If it is no longer pink in the center, your shashlik is ready to be served.
• Blend the sauce ingredients: For the shashlik sauce, blend all the ingredients until creamy. This sauce is best served immediately with the shashlik.
• Grate the onions: Grating the onions releases more juice, making it easier to penetrate into the meat, infusing it with more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• For a hearty dinner, serve it with a side of fluffy rice and a fresh salad. The rice will absorb the flavorful juices from the shashlik, while the salad adds a refreshing crunch.
• Looking for a light lunch? Try serving your shashlik on a bed of mixed greens. The tangy shashlik sauce doubles as a dressing, giving your salad a unique twist.
• For a traditional feast, pair your shashlik with a glass of red wine. The robust flavors of the wine complement the savory shashlik perfectly.
• Shashlik also makes great picnic food. Simply pack them in a container along with some pita bread and your homemade shashlik sauce. Enjoy a delicious meal under the sun!

Recipe Variation Ideas 

• Mayo: If you're a fan of creamy flavors, this variation is for you. Simply add a dollop of mayo to the pork marinade. This will give it a creamy twist and a unique taste.
• Vinegar: For those who love a tangy twist, this variation is a must-try. Add a splash of red wine vinegar to the marinade. The vinegar will tenderize the pork and add a tangy flavor that compliments the smoky grilled taste.
• Onion: If you love the taste of onions, you can intensify the flavor by adding an extra grated onion to the marinade. This will give your shashlik a rich, aromatic onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the shashlik sauce.
• Tomato: For a fruity and tangy twist, try adding some tomato sauce to the marinade. The tomato sauce will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the shashlik, making it even more delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: After enjoying your delicious shashlik, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator. Simply place the shashlik in an airtight sealed container and it will keep for up to 3 days.

Reheat Instructions: When you're ready to enjoy your shashlik again, reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is warmed through. Remember to turn the skewers occasionally for even heating.

Freezing: Unfortunately, due to the nature of the ingredients used in this recipe, it is not recommended to freeze cooked shashlik as it can affect the texture and flavor. However, you can freeze the uncooked marinated meat on its skewers. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before grilling.

Thaw Instructions: If you've frozen uncooked shashlik, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once it has reached room temperature, you're ready to grill.

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