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Meat, European

Chachlik, Russian pork skewers with rice

Chachlik is a marinated pork and onion skewer that comes from Russian outdoor cooking, served here with rice and tomatoes. For 4 people, it takes 45 minutes and costs about €2.90 per person, at an easy skill level. The key to success is marinating the meat for at least two hours, since the vinegar and onions tenderize it.

Tonight, chachlik, the marinated pork skewers from Russian picnics, grilled and served with rice and ripe tomatoes.

Chachlik, Russian pork skewers with rice
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.90
Calories per person
520 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Summer, Spring
The kids
They generally like it

Chachlik is the pork skewer grilled across Russia and neighboring countries for outdoor meals. The meat, marinated with onions and vinegar, turns tender with a slightly tangy edge that pairs well with the smoky char from the grill. The pork stays juicy because the pork shoulder keeps a little fat through cooking.

This is a natural fit for a spring or summer dinner, cooked outside as soon as the weather allows. Kids enjoy pulling the cubes off the skewers, and the rice rounds out the plate without stealing attention from the meat. Marinate it the night before if you're hosting friends over the weekend, the pork only gets better for it.

The ingredients

4 people

Butcher

  • Pork shoulder 800 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onions 3
  • Tomatoes 4
  • Parsley 4 sprigs

Pantry

  • White wine vinegaroften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Sparkling wateroften in the pantry 10 cl
  • Sunflower oiloften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Bay leavesoften in the pantry 2
  • Long grain riceoften in the pantry 300 g
  • Skewer sticksoften in the pantry 8
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

The step by step recipe

  1. Cut the pork shoulder into three to four centimeter cubes and thinly slice the onions into rings.

    Leave a little fat on the cubes, it keeps the skewers moist.

  2. Mix the meat with the onions, vinegar, sparkling water, oil, bay leaves, salt and pepper, and let it marinate. 2 h

    Massage the onions into the meat to release their juice.

  3. Meanwhile, cook the rice in salted water and drain it. 11 min

    Rinse the rice before cooking for well separated grains.

  4. Thread the meat onto the skewers and grill on a griddle, barbecue, or under the oven broiler, turning them. 15 min

    Don't pack the cubes too tightly, the heat needs to circulate.

  5. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and serve with the skewers, rice, and chopped parsley.

    Put the marinated onion rings on the skewers too, they grill up deliciously.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick a well marbled pork shoulder rather than a lean cut, the fat melts during cooking and keeps the meat from drying out.
  • If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for thirty minutes beforehand so they don't burn on the grill.
  • Salt the meat right before threading it onto the skewers rather than during the marinade, salting too early can dry it out.

The variations

  • Swap the pork shoulder for chicken thigh pieces, and cut the marinating time down to one hour.
  • For a vegetarian version, thread zucchini, bell pepper, and mushroom cubes marinated in the same mixture.
  • For a quick kid friendly version, cook the marinated pork in small pieces straight in a skillet, skipping the skewers.

What to serve it with

  • A garlicky yogurt sauce
  • Warm flatbread
  • A fresh cucumber salad

Storage

Cooked skewers keep for two to three days in the fridge in a sealed container. The raw marinated meat freezes well, thaw it in the fridge before cooking. Reheat the skewers in a skillet or oven so they don't dry out.

Questions about this dish

Can you cook chachlik in the oven without a grill?

Yes, place the skewers under the oven broiler on a rack, turning them regularly. The cooking time stays about the same as on a barbecue.

What cut of pork works if I don't have shoulder?

Pork tenderloin or pork butt also work, but shoulder stays the juiciest thanks to its fat. Avoid very lean cuts, since they dry out quickly on the grill.

Can you prepare the marinade the night before?

Yes, that's actually recommended, let the meat marinate overnight in the fridge. It turns out more tender and flavorful the next day.

Why add sparkling water to the marinade?

The bubbles help slightly loosen the meat fibers while it rests. It's a traditional trick for a more tender result after grilling.

How long does it take to make chachlik, marinated pork and onion skewers served with rice and tomatoes?

Count 45 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in chachlik, marinated pork and onion skewers served with rice and tomatoes?

About 520 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does chachlik, marinated pork and onion skewers served with rice and tomatoes cost?

About €2.90 per serving, or €11.60 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains none of the major allergens tracked by Mon Chou. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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