This is one of those moments when you will realize that you have been complicating your life unnecessarily for years. On this occasion, thanks to one of those tricks that mark a before and after in the kitchen and that chef Zehie Téllez has just shared on her networks, from where the MasterChef México judge usually shares practical tricks and recipes designed so that cooking stops being intimidating and becomes something enjoyable.
Along these lines, he has shared with all his followers an ultra-fast technique for assembling skewers in a matter of seconds, without staining and without losing patience along the way. The objective is to make many skewers, so that they are all the same and without the meat falling apart. The solution is so simple that you only need “a plastic bag and a scraper,” as the chef explains.
In addition to using what is already found in any kitchen, the process couldn't be easier. We have to place a small piece of meat on the bag. Then, we fold it and, with the help of the scraper, we press and slide the meat forward. The curl will form on its own, resulting in a compact and perfectly formed piece. “Look, it's ready,” Téllez demonstrates in the video before impaling it with the toothpick. Skewer done in five seconds. Without exaggeration.
@zahietellez
The trick is that the bag acts as a barrier and mold at the same time and prevents the meat from sticking or breaking, allowing you to work quickly, something key when you have to prepare dozens of skewers for a barbecue, an improvised catering or simply to freeze. “It's super easy,” the chef insists. And the best thing is that the technique is foolproof, even if you're not especially skilled in the kitchen or if the meat tends to fall apart in your hands.
In addition, the chef has also shared the complete recipe that accompanies this method.
Quick meat skewers by Zehie Téllez
Ingredients
- 500 g minced beef
- 4 tablespoons Member's Mark by McCormick (or, alternatively, a Canadian-style meat seasoning. Seasoning to taste is also acceptable)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- ¼ chopped onion
- Skewer sticks (pre-soaked in water)
- flour tortillas
- Lemon (to serve)
Elaboration
Place the minced meat in a medium to large bowl. We add the 4 tablespoons of the seasoning and mix a little. Then, we add the paprika, chopped garlic, parsley and the quarter of the onion.
Mix well with your hands (very clean) until all the ingredients are integrated. It is important that the meat is well seasoned and homogeneous.
Before using them, we soak the skewer sticks in water to prevent them from burning when cooking. We take small portions of meat and form elongated meatballs, similar in size to a tortilla. It is at this point where we can put the chef's trick into practice.
We insert a toothpick into each portion to form the skewers. Next, we cook them on a grill or in a very hot pan until they are golden and well done.
Finally, we serve each skewer inside a flour tortilla and finish by seasoning them with a splash of lemon.
Cover photo | Korie Cull and Zaihetellez
