Low Sodium Traditional Shashlik (Russian Grilled Meat Skewers)

Experience the rich, savory flavors of **Low Sodium Traditional Shashlik (Russian Grilled Meat Skewers)**, a healthier twist on a beloved classic. This dish highlights tender, marinated cubes of lamb or pork, steeped in a tangy blend of kefir, garlic, and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection alongside vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for low-sodium diets, this recipe swaps high-sodium seasonings for herbs like oregano and fresh parsley, delivering bold taste without compromise. Whether prepared on a charcoal grill or a gas grill, these skewers are easy to assemble, visually stunning, and ideal for outdoor gatherings. Serve hot with a crisp side salad or extra grilled veggies for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1000 grams boneless lamb shoulder or pork (trimmed of excess fat)
• 250 ml unsalted kefir or plain yogurt
• 2 medium yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika (sweet or smoked, based on preference)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium bell peppers
• 1 medium zucchini or summer squash
• 16 pieces cherry tomatoes
• 8 pieces bamboo or metal skewers

Directions

Step 1

Cut the meat into 1.5-inch cubes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

Peel and finely grate one of the onions into the bowl with the meat. Slice the other onion into chunks to assemble on the skewers later.

Step 3

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the bowl, followed by the black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and freshly chopped parsley.

Step 4

Pour in the kefir (or plain yogurt), vinegar (or lemon juice), and olive oil. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the meat is evenly coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 5

While the meat marinates, soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using (skip this step if using metal skewers).

Step 6

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or prepare a charcoal grill with even, hot coals.

Step 7

Cut the bell peppers and zucchini (or summer squash) into bite-sized pieces suitable for skewering.

Step 8

Thread the marinated meat, onion slices, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for an appealing presentation.

Step 9

Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Check that the meat is cooked through and has a slight char on the outside.

Step 10

Serve the shashlik hot with a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables. Enjoy your low-sodium, flavorful grilled skewers!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2404.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3175.1

Total Fat 238.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 90.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 781.7mg	0%
Sodium 961.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 70.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 39.6g
Protein 199.5g	0%

Vitamin D 105.7IU	0%
Calcium 611.3mg	0%
Iron 23.6mg	0%
Potassium 5111.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.5%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 8.7%