Balyk Shashlyk Türkmenbaşy (Caspian Lemon, Sumac & Coriander Grilled Fish Skewers) – Authentic Turkmenistan Recipe

Ingredients for Balyk Shashlyk Türkmenbaşy (Caspian Lemon, Sumac & Coriander Grilled Fish Skewers) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) thick white fish or salmon cubes, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups blistered tomatoes and green peppers, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup sumac red onion rings
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh lemon juice
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Turkmenistan seasoning (sumac, coriander, garlic, olive oil)
• 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together fresh lemon juice, sumac, coriander, garlic, olive oil, cooking oil, and sea salt in a bowl to form a fragrant Turkmenistan marinade.
2. Coat thick white fish or salmon cubes and blistered tomatoes and green peppers thoroughly in the seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
3. Heat a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
4. Sear thick white fish or salmon cubes and blistered tomatoes and green peppers for 4–5 minutes per side until blistered, charred at the edges, and cooked through.
5. Transfer to a warm platter, scatter with sumac red onion rings, and serve immediately.