- August 12, 2025
Shami Kabab Recipe – Authentic, Delicious, and Easy to Make
When it comes to iconic kebabs in South Asian cuisine, the Shami Kabab recipe is a true classic. Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and made with a perfect balance of meat, lentils, and spices, Shami Kababs are a delicacy enjoyed across India, Pakistan, and beyond.
Whether you are making a chicken shami kabab recipe, mutton shami kabab recipe, or even a beef shami kabab recipe, the preparation remains similar with minor tweaks. These kababs are perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a filling for wraps and burgers. In this blog, we’ll dive into the authentic Shami Kabab recipe, explore regional variations like Hyderabadi Shami Kabab recipe and Lucknowi Shami Kabab recipe, and learn tips to make them restaurant-style at home.
What is Shami Kabab?
Shami Kababs are pan-fried patties made with minced meat (chicken, mutton, or beef), chana dal (split Bengal gram), and a blend of aromatic spices. Unlike seekh kababs or tikkis, Shami Kababs are soft, melt-in-the-mouth, and have a distinctive flavor that comes from the addition of whole spices during cooking.
They are often served with green chutney, onion slices, and lemon wedges. The traditional Shami Kabab recipe is believed to have originated in royal kitchens, particularly in Lucknow, and later became popular across Hyderabad, Delhi, and Pakistan.
Ingredients for Shami Kabab Recipe
Here’s a list of ingredients for a homemade Shami Kabab recipe that you can adapt based on your choice of meat.
Main Ingredients
500 g minced meat (chicken/mutton/beef)
½ cup chana dal (split Bengal gram), soaked for 1–2 hours
2 medium onions, roughly chopped
4–5 garlic cloves
1-inch piece ginger
3–4 green chilies
1–2 dried red chilies
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
4–5 black peppercorns
2 cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
Salt to taste
Binding and Flavoring
1 egg (skip if making Shami Kabab without egg)
2 boiled potatoes (skip if making Shami Kabab without potato)
Fresh coriander and mint leaves, chopped
1 tsp garam masala powder
For Frying
2–3 tbsp oil or ghee
Shami Kabab Step by Step Recipe
Here’s the Shami Kabab step by step recipe to help you make them perfectly every time:
Step 1: Cook the Meat and Dal
In a pan, add minced meat, soaked chana dal, onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, red chilies, and whole spices (cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, bay leaf).
Add turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and about 2 cups water.
Cook until the meat and dal are soft and water is absorbed completely.
Step 2: Grind the Mixture
Remove bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
Transfer the cooked mixture to a grinder.
Grind into a smooth paste. This is the base of your authentic Shami Kabab recipe.
Step 3: Add Binders and Herbs
Transfer mixture to a bowl.
Add boiled potatoes (if using), chopped coriander, mint, garam masala, and egg for binding.
Mix well.
Step 4: Shape the Kababs
Take small portions and shape into round patties.
Keep them uniform for even cooking.
Step 5: Shallow Fry
Heat oil or ghee in a pan.
Place kababs and shallow fry until golden brown on both sides.
Remove and place on absorbent paper.
Your easy Shami Kabab recipe is ready to serve with chutney and salad!
Variations of Shami Kabab
Chicken Shami Kabab Recipe – Lighter and quicker to cook, best for beginners.
Mutton Shami Kabab Recipe – Rich, traditional, and perfect for festive meals.
Beef Shami Kabab Recipe – Popular in Pakistan, packed with robust flavor.
Hyderabadi Shami Kabab Recipe – Spicier, with the addition of fried onions and extra chilies.
Lucknowi Shami Kabab Recipe – Delicate and aromatic, made with fine mince for a royal taste.
Shami Kabab without Egg – Use mashed potatoes or breadcrumbs for binding.
Shami Kabab without Potato – Stick to egg and dal for a lighter version.
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Tips for the Best Shami Kababs
Always cook meat and dal until dry—any extra water will make kababs mushy.
Grind to a smooth paste for authentic texture.
Use minimal oil for a healthy version.
For freezing, half-fry the kababs, cool, and store in airtight containers.
If you want restaurant style Shami Kabab recipe, add a spoon of ghee while frying for aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Shami Kababs are versatile and can be served in many ways:
As a starter with green chutney and onions.
Inside wraps and rolls with salad.
As a side with pulao or biryani.
Stuffed in sandwiches and burgers for a fusion twist.
This makes them not just a snack, but also a perfect part of a full meal.
Why This is the Best Shami Kabab Recipe
This best Shami Kabab recipe works because:
It balances protein-rich meat with the earthiness of lentils.
It is adaptable as a quick Shami Kabab recipe when using chicken.
It can be cooked in advance and stored.
It has multiple regional variations for different palates.
FAQs – Shami Kabab Recipe
Q1: Can I make Shami Kababs vegan?
A: Yes, replace meat with mashed vegetables or soya granules, skip egg, and follow the same process.
Q2: How to prevent kababs from breaking while frying?
A: Ensure mixture is dry, and add enough binder (egg or potato).
Q3: Can I bake Shami Kababs instead of frying?
A: Yes, for a healthier version, bake at 180°C until golden.
Q4: What’s the difference between Shami Kabab and Galouti Kabab?
A: Traditional Shami Kabab recipe uses dal and is slightly firmer, while Galouti Kababs are soft, melt-in-mouth, and made with raw papaya for tenderizing.
Q5: Are Shami Kababs Indian or Pakistani?
A: Both! They originated in Mughal-era kitchens and became popular in North India and Pakistan.
Interesting Facts
The Shami Kabab recipe is a timeless dish that brings together the richness of meat, the nutrition of lentils, and the magic of spices. Whether you choose the chicken Shami Kabab recipe for a quick meal, the mutton Shami Kabab recipe for traditional celebrations, or the beef Shami Kabab recipe for Pakistani flavors, you’ll always end up with something delicious.
From the royal Lucknowi Shami Kabab recipe to the fiery Hyderabadi Shami Kabab recipe, each variation has its charm. The beauty of this dish is in its versatility—you can make a simple Shami Kabab recipe for daily meals or elevate it into a restaurant style Shami Kabab recipe for parties.
So, next time you’re craving a wholesome, crispy, and flavorful snack, try this authentic Shami Kabab recipe at home. It’s a dish that connects history, tradition, and taste—all in one bite.
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