Malai Kebab Recipe: How to Make Creamy, Juicy Kebabs at Home

If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, then you’ve likely heard of Malai Kebabs, a rich and creamy dish that practically melts in your mouth. Malai Kebabs are a delicacy that combines tender chicken or mutton with a luxurious marinade made of cream, yogurt, and aromatic spices. These kebabs are incredibly flavorful, juicy, and perfect for everything from family dinners to special occasions.

In this step-by-step recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare authentic Malai Kebabs at home. Whether you grill them, cook them in a tandoor, or make them on a stovetop, this guide will ensure they turn out as delicious as they are in restaurants. By the end, you’ll master the art of creating perfectly juicy kebabs that everyone will love!

Why Malai Kebabs Are a Favorite

Malai Kebabs, also known as Chicken Malai Tikka, stand out from other kebabs for one reason: their unparalleled creaminess. The word “Malai” translates to cream, and true to its name, these kebabs are indulgently smooth and flavorful. Here’s why they’re so beloved:

1. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Thanks to a special marinade that uses cream, yogurt, and tenderizing ingredients like ginger-garlic paste and lemon juice, the meat becomes irresistibly soft and succulent.
2. Rich Flavor: The marinade is infused with warm spices like cardamom, garam masala, and white pepper, balanced with the subtle sweetness of cream and the tanginess of yogurt.
3. Versatility: Malai Kebabs are versatile—they can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course alongside naan, roti, or rice.
4. Quick to Cook: Once marinated, these kebabs cook quickly, making them an easy option for both weeknight meals and entertaining guests.

Ingredients for Malai Kebab

To make authentic Malai Kebabs, you’ll need the following ingredients. These quantities make about 6-8 kebabs (serving 3-4 people).

For the Marinade:

• 500 grams (1 lb) of boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup fresh cream (malai)
• 1/4 cup thick yogurt (curd)
• 2 tablespoons grated cheese (cheddar or processed)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon white pepper powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for slight heat)
• Salt to taste

For Cooking:

• 1 tablespoon ghee or melted butter (for basting)
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

For Garnishing:

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Sliced onions
• Mint chutney or green chili chutney

How to Make Malai Kebabs: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

The first step to making juicy Malai Kebabs is choosing the right cut of meat. Chicken thighs are the best option because they are more tender and flavorful compared to chicken breasts. However, if you prefer leaner meat, boneless chicken breast works well too.

Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking.

2. Prepare the Marinade

The magic of Malai Kebabs lies in their marinade. Here’s how to make it:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh cream, yogurt, grated cheese, ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
• Add the spices: white pepper powder, garam masala, cardamom powder, coriander powder, nutmeg powder, and chili flakes. Adjust the salt to taste.
• Whisk the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. The marinade should be thick, creamy, and fragrant.

Pro Tip: Grated cheese not only adds flavor but also helps make the marinade richer and stick better to the meat.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a ziplock bag. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but for the best results, marinate it overnight.

Marinating for longer allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and become tender, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth kebabs.

4. Prepare the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before cooking to prevent them from burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow even cooking.

Optional: Add pieces of capsicum, onion, or tomatoes between the chicken chunks for extra flavor and a colorful presentation.

5. Cook the Kebabs

There are three ways to cook Malai Kebabs: grilling, pan-frying, or baking. Each method gives slightly different results, so choose the one that suits you best.

Grilling (Recommended):

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill grates with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally. Baste the kebabs with ghee or melted butter during grilling for added flavor and moisture.
• Once the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, remove from the grill and set aside.

Pan-Frying:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Place the skewers in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
• Baste the chicken with butter for added richness.

Baking:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the skewers on the rack.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning them halfway through. To get a nice char, broil the kebabs for an additional 2 minutes at the end.

6. Serve the Malai Kebabs

Once the Malai Kebabs are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, sliced onions, and lemon wedges. Serve with mint chutney or green chili chutney for dipping.

For a complete meal, pair the kebabs with naan, paratha, or a simple salad.

Tips for Perfect Malai Kebabs

1. Don’t Skip the Cheese: The grated cheese in the marinade is key to achieving the rich, creamy texture that makes Malai Kebabs so unique.
2. Use Fresh Cream: Fresh cream adds a velvety richness to the marinade, so avoid substituting it with low-fat alternatives.
3. Marinate Overnight: While 2 hours is sufficient, marinating the chicken overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness.
4. Cook on High Heat: Whether grilling or pan-frying, cook the kebabs on high heat to get that signature charred, smoky flavor.
5. Baste Frequently: Brushing the kebabs with ghee or butter while cooking keeps them moist and enhances their flavor.

Why Malai Kebabs Are a Crowd-Favorite

Malai Kebabs are the perfect combination of indulgence and simplicity. Their creamy, flavorful marinade sets them apart from other kebabs, making them a hit at dinner parties, family gatherings, and even casual weeknight dinners. Plus, they’re highly versatile—you can adjust the spice level, pair them with various sides, or even use the same marinade for paneer or mutton kebabs.

FAQs

Can I use mutton instead of chicken for Malai Kebabs?
Yes, you can use mutton, but make sure to marinate it longer (at least 12 hours) to ensure the meat becomes tender.

What can I use instead of cream?
If you don’t have cream, you can use thick Greek yogurt or a mix of milk and butter as a substitute, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make Malai Kebabs ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook the kebabs fresh before serving.

How do I prevent the kebabs from drying out?
Frequent basting with butter or ghee while cooking ensures the kebabs stay juicy and moist.

What are the best sides to serve with Malai Kebabs?
Mint chutney, sliced onions, lemon wedges, and garlic naan are classic pairings. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or pulao.

Conclusion

This Malai Kebab recipe is your ultimate guide to making restaurant-quality kebabs in the comfort of your home. With their rich marinade, tender texture, and smoky char, these kebabs are guaranteed to impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re grilling them for a summer barbecue or serving them as an appetizer at a festive gathering, Malai Kebabs are a true crowd-pleaser.

So, grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to the creamy, indulgent flavors of Malai Kebabs. One bite, and you’ll see why they’re a favorite in Indian cuisine!

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