Spiedies are like little bites of heaven on a stick. Originating from Italy but made popular in Binghamton, New York, these are skewered meats marinated in a zesty mix, then grilled to perfection. Think of chicken, pork, or lamb, soaked overnight in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then cooked until they're bursting with flavor.
Whether you're throwing a backyard BBQ or just want a fun dinner, spiedies are a tasty treat. They're not just food; they're an experience, turning ordinary meat into something extraordinary with every bite.
Why This Recipe Works
This Spiedies recipe is a winner because it transforms simple ingredients into a dish with complex flavors. The secret lies in the marinade, a perfect blend of acidity from the lemon juice, richness from the olive oil, and aromatic herbs. This combination doesn't just flavor the meat; it tenderizes it, ensuring that each piece is juicy and delicious. Plus, the versatility of the meat options means this recipe can cater to all tastes. Whether you prefer the traditional lamb or opt for chicken or pork, the outcome is always a mouthwatering skewer that's charred on the outside and tender on the inside.
Moreover, the beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and adaptability. It doesn't require fancy equipment or rare ingredients; just some skewers, a grill, and your choice of meat and herbs. It's perfect for anyone, from the novice cook to the seasoned chef, looking to bring a bit of culinary excitement to their table. The preparation process, mainly the marinating, does the heavy lifting, infusing the meat with flavor. This means you get to enjoy incredible, restaurant-quality skewers with minimal effort. Serving spiedies is also a breeze; they're great on their own, tucked into a hoagie roll, or served over rice or salad, making them a versatile option for meals or parties.
Ingredients
Meat (Chicken, Pork, or Lamb): Traditionally, lamb is used, but chicken and pork are popular too. Substitute: Beef or turkey for different flavors.
Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and brightness. Substitute: Vinegar for a different tangy flavor.
Garlic: Provides a strong, aromatic flavor. Substitute: Garlic powder if fresh is not available, but use less.
Olive Oil: For marinating and grilling, adds moisture and flavor. Substitute: Canola or vegetable oil.
Mint: Gives a fresh, unique taste. Substitute: Basil or parsley for a different but still delicious herbiness.
Tips
- Marinate the meat for at least 24 hours for the best flavor.
- Preheat the grill to ensure the meat cooks evenly and gets good grill marks.
- Cut meat into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Use metal skewers for better heat conduction or soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Let the meat rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving to keep it juicy.
How to Serve
Spiedies are a versatile and delicious dish that can be served in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual backyard BBQs to more formal gatherings. The juicy, marinated meat packed with flavor is the star of the show and can be enjoyed straight off the skewer, or for a more substantial meal, served in several delightful ways.
- In a Sandwich: Stuff the grilled meat pieces into soft Italian bread or hoagie rolls. Add some of the leftover marinade or a drizzle of olive oil and more fresh mint for an extra flavor boost.
- Over Rice or Salad: Serve the grilled meat over a bed of rice or mixed greens for a lighter, health-conscious option. Add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to complement the flavors.
- With Sides: Pair spiedies with sides like grilled vegetables, pasta salad, or a fresh cucumber salad to round out the meal and offer a variety of tastes and textures.
Similar Recipes
Spiedies
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken pork, or lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Italian bread or hoagie rolls for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mint, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add the meat to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and charred in spots, about 10 minutes.
- Serve the spiedies on their own, in Italian bread as a sandwich, or over rice or salad, as desired.
Nutrition
Notes
• Preheat the grill to ensure the meat cooks evenly and gets good grill marks.
• Cut meat into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Use metal skewers for better heat conduction or soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
• Let the meat rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving to keep it juicy.