Easy Shami Kebab (Instant Pot and Stovetop)

Shami kebab are tender beef patties filled with yellow split peas (chana dal), onion, ground spices, and herbs, then dipped in eggs and pan-fried. These kebabs are kid-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and so wholesome! This easy recipe makes a large batch to enjoy some now, and freeze the rest for later!

Shami Kebab

If you’re Pakistani, it’s likely your mom/relative/aunty has a shami kebab freezer stash waiting for the next unexpected guest, hungry child, or lazy evening to strike.

It’s a somewhat prevalent practice, and with good reason. It means when life gets busy, there will be shami kebabs within arm’s reach. Silky, wholesome, deeply flavorful kebabs ready to be thawed, pan-fried and served to a someone who’ll likely be grateful for them.

Shami kebab are not only freezer friendly – as in no detectable change in texture, quality, or taste – they’re also incredibly versatile. Have them with your afternoon chai, as a side to make any dinner menu more abundant, or, my favorite, in a shami kebab sandwich drizzled with ketchup or hot and sour sauce.

How to make Shami Kebab

Shami Kebab are one of those kitchen endeavors that look a lot more intimidating than they actually are. Here’s a walk-through:

Step 1: Grind the whole spices to make a shami kabab masala. If you don’t have a spice/coffee grinder, you may also use a mortar and pestle, though this will be more tedious.
Step 2: Add the beef, lentils, onion, and spices to the Instant Pot or stovetop along with water. Cook. Sauté out extra moisture.
Step 3: Pulse to chop up an onion, a green chili pepper, and herbs in a food processor. Remove those and add the beef and lentil mixture. Process until smooth.
Step 4: Crack in an egg, mix everything and form into patties. Pan-fry.
Step 5: Awe at how simple it was to actually make these treasures all along.

The history behind Shami Kabab

The word ‘shami’ (like shaam in Urdu and Hindi), means early evening in Persian and they’re called shami kabob because they’re often eaten as a late afternoon snack. Mind blown, right? Just me? Ok.

To learn more about the origins and culture of Shami Kebab, check out this beautifully written piece by my friend Maryam, founder of the Saveur-award winning blog Pakistan Eats.

Shami Kebab Q&A

How do you freeze them?
As you shape the kebabs, place them on a tray and freeze 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Then carefully remove from the tray and transfer them to an airtight container or zipper storage bag.

Can these be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated before pan-frying?
Yes! You can keep the mixture (either shaped or as-is) covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Can these be baked?
Yes, I was surprised that they bake pretty well! Line baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease the top. Dip the kebab in the egg mixture as you normally would, and then bake them at 450°F for 12-15 minutes, turning midway.

How do you thaw them after freezing?
I simply leave them out at room temperature, or if I’m in a hurry (which is often), I’ll microwave them for some seconds before I pan-fry.

Can you use other meat besides ground beef?
Yes! I have tried using chicken tenders and loved the results. If you’re using a meat with less fat (like chicken breast), mix in an extra egg to help bind the mixture.

More Tips and Ideas

1. Shami Kabab purists will, rightly so, insist that beef chunks should be used instead of ground beef. This lends them the traditional, silky texture with ‘resha’, as is often said in Urdu. I grew up with the ground beef version, but I hope to try it with beef ‘boti’ sometime and I’ll update you when I do.
2. The key to good shami kebab is to get the mixture dry enough so that the kabobs don’t have excess water and can retain their shape, yet still moist so that they don’t break and retain their beautiful texture. If you feel the mixture is too wet, try sautéing longer, or, as a last resort, adding breadcrumbs, though I don’t think you’ll need them.
3. This recipe requires the chana dal to be soaked for at least 30 minutes before adding to the Instant Pot. If you’re short on time, just soak them first, then prepare the spice mix and add the rest of the ingredients to the Instant Pot while they’re soaking.

P.S. If you like these, you’ll love
Easy Aloo ki Tikki
Pan-Fried Pakora with Green Chutney
Baked Pakistani Seekh Kabab

If you try this recipe, please let me know in the comments below and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations. I love hearing from you!

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Instant Pot Shami Kabob

Shami kababs are Pakistani/Indian beef patties filled with yellow split peas (chana dal), onion, spices, and herbs, then dipped in eggs and pan-fried. This recipe includes Instant Pot and stovetop instructions! Naturally gluten-free!

Course side course, Snack

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Keyword Instant Pot Shami Kabob

Prep Time 50 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

Whole Spices

• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 2 inch piece cinnamon stick broken into a couple pieces
• 1 small black cardamom
• 2 green cardamom pods seeds removed and pod discarded
• 8-10 whole cloves

To Cook

• 1.5 lb ground beef
• 1 1/2 cup chana dal yellow split peas, washed, soaked for 30 minutes and then drained
• 1 1/2 cup water* for Instant Pot
• 1 medium to large onion roughly chopped
• 8-10 garlic cloves
• 1 ” piece ginger minced or crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chaat masala optional

To chop

• 1 small onion coarsely chopped
• 1 thai or Serrano green chili pepper stems removed and cut in half
• ½ cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
• 1-2 tbsp mint leaves

For mixing

• 1 egg whisked

For pan-frying or baking

• neutral oil as needed
• 1-2 eggs whisked

Instructions

• Add all of the ingredients listed under ‘Whole Spices’ in a spice grinder and grind until a powder is formed. You may also crush them in a mortar and pestle, though this will be more tedious. This will come to around 2 ½ tbsp ground spices. Set aside.

Instant Pot Instructions

• In the Instant Pot, add all of the ingredients listed under ‘To Cook’ as well as the freshly ground spices. Mix very well to combine.
• Secure the lid and set the Pressure Release to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook setting and set the cook time for 20 minutes at high pressure.
• Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, and then move the Pressure Release to Venting to release any remaining steam. Open the pot, remove the bay leaf, and select the high Sauté setting.
• Sauté, stirring often, for 13-15 minutes, or until all the moisture has evaporated and the mixture starts sticking to the bottom. Turn off the Instant pot and allow the mixture to cool.

Stovetop Instructions

• In a medium dutch oven, add all of the ingredients listed under ‘To Cook’ along with 5 1/2 cups of water and mix well to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat. Use a slotted spoon to skim off any scum that rises to the surface. 
• Place the lid ajar and continue to cook on high heat for 55 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chana dal (yellow split peas) is completely cooked. During the last 10-15 minutes, stir frequently to completely evaporate any moisture. Turn the heat off and allow to cool.

After Cooking

• Combine the onion, green chili peppers, cilantro, and mint in the bowl of a food processor. Use the pulse setting to finely chop (but not blend) this mixture. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Add the cooled beef and lentil mixture from the Instant Pot to the food processor. Process to combine until smooth. Then add to the large bowl with the chopped onion mixture. Taste and add salt, if desired. Add the whisked egg and mix to combine.
• Using your hands, shape ¼ cup heaped of the mixture into a flat, round patty about 2 3/4 inches in diameter. Continue with the rest of the mixture. You will have around 22 patties. If you wish to freeze them, do so at this point.*
• Place the egg in a shallow bowl so that you can dip the kababs as you cook. Heat a large skillet, frying pan, or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
• Dip both sides of each patty into the egg wash. Place 3-5 patties in the pan and allow them to cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, using a spatula to turn them over. Be careful not to crowd them too much or it will be harder to turn them. Reduce heat as necessary.
• Remove from the pan, and place on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. Repeat until you have finished pan-frying all the patties. Cook any leftover egg in the remaining oil and serve with the patties.

Notes

*For Stovetop, you will need 5 1/2 cups water.

*As you shape the kebabs, place them on a tray and freeze 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Then carefully remove from the tray and transfer them to an airtight container or zipper storage bag.