Bihari Kabab Recipe – An Authentic Taste of Bihar

The aromatic smells of grilled meat scorching over an open flame. The dance of spices over your tastebuds with every juicy bite. The glad smile that comes after devouring a really perfect kabab.

These are the sensations you may count on when you sink your enamel into an true Bihari kabab immediately from the streets of Patna.

Kababs hold a loved region in Indian cuisine, with many delicious nearby types to find out. In this expansive kabab scene, the Bihari kabab stands proud for its extremely good intensity of flavors.

This flavor-packed appetizer takes the usual kabab up a notch by relying on a mainly mixed marinade that seeps into each bit of the beef. The end result is a smoky, succulent kabab that encapsulates the rustic tastes of Bihar.

As a frequent visitor and foodie who is obsessed on exploring India’s regional cuisines, I became determined to uncover the secrets and techniques behind this super avenue meals snack on a current go to to Bihar.

Join me on a journey via the history, ingredients, and cooking techniques that produce the closing Bihari kabab enjoy. By the stop, you will benefit the expertise to recreate this taste-packed Bihari strong point in your very own kitchen!

The Origins and Evolution of Bihari Kabab

While kababs trace their origin to Persian influence in medieval Indian cuisine, the Bihari style has its own distinctive traits.

As I explored the food scene in Patna during my travels, I discovered how this mouthwatering dish evolved…

Persian Inspirations

The unique kabab emerged in Medieval India from the muse of Persian skewer cooked dishes. As Persian lifestyle intermingled with North Indian society among the thirteenth to 18th centuries, their culinary strategies made their manner into nearby cuisine.

Skewering small pieces of meat and grilling them over hot coals became a popular cooking method. The Persian words “kabab” meaning “to grill” and “tabah” meaning “roast meat” got adopted into Hindustani.

Mughlai Impact

The Mughal Empire in addition unfold the trend of grilled and skewered meats at some point of Northern India. Their love for flavorful biryanis, kebabs, and rich curries contributed to development of the local Mughlai cuisine. The town of Patna in Bihar emerged as an essential middle of Mughal political power and culture starting within the 1500s. Mughal cooking influence shaped Bihari delicacies, specially while it got here to kababs.

Bihari Style Takes Shape

Over time, Bihar’s local flavors and ingredients started putting their own stamp on the kabab. By the 18th century, a distinct Bihari style was born.

Compared to other North Indian kababs, Bihari kabab tends to use more strongly spiced marinades drawing from the state’s love for bold and intense seasonings. Ginger, garlic, spices like cumin, and chili give Bihari kababs their trademark kick.

The types of meat also changed from more expensive mutton to affordable and tasty goat meat or lamb. And the marinating and grilling process started emphasizing the smoky, charred flavors.

Today, the Bihari kabab represents an iconic regional street food closely linked with Bihar’s cultural identity. The influx of flavors from different communities and eras all fuse together in this remarkable dish.

Now let’s break down exactly what goes into making exemplary Bihari kababs…

Bihari Kabab Recipe – An Authentic Taste of Bihar

Recipe by radiantnourishCourse: CookbookCuisine: Indian, PakistaniDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

340

kcal

Marinating time

4

hours 

Cooking MethodGrill

Best SeasonWinter

Total time

4

hours 

50

minutes

The flavor and texture of Bihari kababs rely on carefully selected ingredients for both the marinade and the meat. Authentic kababs stay true to the tastes of Bihar by using local seasonings and meats.
Here are the key components that come together to create the robust and complex Bihari kabab profile:

Ingredients

• Spice-Infused Marinade

• Yogurt – The yogurt tenderizes the meat and also allows the spices to coat the meat thoroughly. Milk can be substituted for a vegan option.

• Ginger – Fresh ginger adds a lively kick and pairs perfectly with the warm spices.

• Garlic – Minced garlic provides pungency and aroma. Roast the garlic first for deeper flavor.

• Coriander powder – Toasted and freshly ground coriander seeds give an earthy, citrusy taste.

• Cumin powder – Roasted cumin powder contributes a sharp, nutty and smoky flavor.

• Red chili powder – Add the desired level of heat and a robust red color. Kashmiri red chili adds vibrant red with less spice.

• Garam masala – The blend of spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg give a sweet aroma.

• Lemon juice – A squirt of tangy lemon juice helps tenderize and brighten all the flavors.

• Meat Options

• Goat meat – The most authentic choice, goat meat kababs have robust flavor from the gaminess. The texture holds up well on skewers.

• Lamb – Similar to goat, lamb has a milder flavor but still absorbs the spices nicely. Choose a mix of cuts for texture.

• Chicken – Using boneless chicken breast or thigh results in a lighter, healthier kabab. Pound it to keep it tender.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

• Prepare the Marinade
• In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup hung curd, 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste, 2 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala powder and salt to taste.
• Add in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and mix thoroughly to form a smooth paste.
• Marinate the Meat
• Cut 500 grams of goat meat or lamb into 2-inch cubes. For chicken, pound breast or thigh pieces to an even thickness.
• Add the meat to the marinade bowl and coat all pieces well.
• Cover and let marinate for at least 2–3 hours in the refrigerator. Overnight is best to let the flavors penetrate.
• Skewer the Kababs
• Soak 8–10 wooden or metal skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Thread the meat pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each cube.
• Use two parallel skewers for extra-long kababs if needed.
• Grill the Kababs
• Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat. Brush with a little oil or ghee.
• Grill the kababs for 2-3 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through.
• Optionally baste with lemon juice or oil for extra moisture and flavor.
• Finish and Serve
• Remove the kababs from the skewers and place them on a serving plate.
• Garnish with onion rings, lemon wedges, mint chutney, chaat masala, and coriander leaves.
• Serve the smoky hot Bihari kababs immediately with naan or tandoori roti!

Notes

• With this traditional recipe and method, you can enjoy restaurant-style Bihari kababs in your own home. The spiced yogurt marinade does the hard work of infusing the meat with well-rounded flavors. Let’s take a look at some key tips and tricks for getting the best results…

Chef Tips for Bihari Kabab Perfection

Like any regional dish, cooking authentic Bihari kababs requires some specialized knowledge. Follow these pro tips from the kababwallahs of Patna for finger-licking goodness:

• Pound and tenderize – Use a meat mallet to gently pound the meat before marinating. This helps the marinade permeate and makes the kabab tender.
• Grind fresh spices – For the optimal flavor profile, grind whole spices like coriander and cumin into a powder just before using.
• Use natural coals – If possible, grill over hot natural coal instead of gas or electric grill. This imparts a smoky charcoal flavor.
• Regulate temperature – Cook over high heat to get char marks but move kababs to a cooler spot if flames are excessive.
• Rotate frequently – Rotate the skewers every 30 seconds for even cooking without burning.
• Rest before serving – Let the cooked kababs rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicier texture.
• Reuse marinade – After grilling meat, boil and thicken leftover marinade to make a tasty dipping sauce.

With a few batches of practice, you’ll learn how to achieve the ideal balance of smoky flavors and tender meat. Playing with tweakings like chili levels, meat choice, marinating time etc. can give you your perfect version.

Now let’s explore some ways to mix things up…

Innovative Kabab Experiments

Once you nail down the classic Bihari style, get creative with fun new takes on the traditional kabab:

• Mix up the meats – Try alternating chicken, lamb and goat pieces on a skewer for variety.
• Stuff with cheese – Add a slice of mozzarella or paneer inside a chicken kabab for gooey goodness.
• Coat with masalas – Roll cooked kababs in chaat masala, chili powder or garam masala for extra spice.
• Switch up shapes – Mold ground meat onto flat metal rods in fun shapes like hearts or stars.
• Infuse with herbs – Add chopped cilantro, mint, dill or basil to the marinade for fresh flavor.
• Fruit flavors – Skewer melons, peaches, pineapple or other fruits along with meat pieces for sweet contrast.
• Stuff with veggies – Mix chopped onions, peppers, potatoes into the ground meat before grilling.
• Try seafood – Use firm fish or shrimp instead of meat for a coastal twist. Adjust marinade flavors accordingly.

The possibilities are endless once you become a kabab pro! Now let’s get you ready to serve up these irresistible treats…

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

A stellar Bihari kabab spread involves not just the star of the show, but delectable condiments, breads and sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• Breads – Warm naan, roomali roti, parathas
• Rice dishes – Jeera rice, veg pulao, dum biryani
• Salads – Onion raita, cucumber salad, daikon radish salad
• Chutneys – Green coriander chutney, sweet tamarind chutney
• Chaats – Sev puri, bhel puri, dahi puri chaat
• Veggies – Roasted cauliflower, stir fried green beans, okra fries
• Desserts – Ras malai, kulfi, gulab jamun
• Drinks – Masala chai, mango lassi, thandai

Set up a vibrant kabab spread like you’d find at roadside stalls in Patna. The medley of contrasting flavors and textures takes the experience to the next level.

Now you have all the secrets to cook up incredible Bihari kababs any night of the week! Let’s recap the key points:

Summary of Bihari Kabab Tips

• Authentic marinade uses spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili, and yogurt or milk.
• Goat or lamb meat provides classic robust flavor, or chicken for milder taste.
• Pound meat before marinating, and marinate for 2-3 hours up to overnight.
• Grill over hot coals ideally, basting with oil/ghee/lemon for moisture.
• Cook 2-3 mins per side until smoky and charred but not burnt.
• Skewer with veggies or stuff with cheese for fun twists.
• Serve with array of breads, rice, chutneys, salads for full experience.

I hope you’re feeling inspired to re-create the incredible flavors of Bihar’s street food kababs in your own kitchen!

When you bite into these tender, spice-rubbed grilled meat skewers, you’ll be transported right to the hustling streets of Patna. The aromatic marinade will win over your tastebuds.

Let me know if you try making these at home, and share any tweaks or serving suggestions you come up with. I can’t wait to see you unlock the full potential of Bihari kababs!