EN:Skewers
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Skewers (also known as roasting skewers or kebab skewers) are thin pointed rods made of wood, bamboo, or metal. Pieces of meat, vegetables, or fruit are threaded onto them for grilling, baking, or serving.
Types
- Wooden or bamboo – disposable, inexpensive, and suitable for grilling; they are soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling to help prevent them from burning
- Metal – made of stainless steel, reusable, and better at conducting heat, which can help food cook evenly; flat versions prevent the ingredients from rotating
- Decorative – ornamental skewers for canapés, tapas, and cocktail garnishes
Culinary uses
Shashlik and kebabs
Meat cooked on skewers is a staple of many cuisines: shashlik in Russian and Caucasian traditions, shish kebab in Turkish cuisine, souvlaki in Greek cuisine, satay in Indonesian cuisine, and yakitori in Japanese cuisine.
Mixed skewers
Mixed skewers combine meat with vegetables, typically peppers, onions, courgettes, and button mushrooms. The meat is marinated in advance and alternated with vegetables for visual appeal and even cooking.
Fruit and desserts
Fruit skewers made with strawberries, pineapple, melon, and grapes are served at buffets. Chocolate fondue is eaten by dipping fruit held on a skewer into melted chocolate.
Practical tips
Pieces of meat should be the same size (2–3 cm) so that they cook evenly. Vegetables that cook more quickly are placed on separate skewers. A small gap is left between pieces to allow heat to circulate.