Bun Kebab
Spiced lentil or meat patty in a bun with chutney and onions — Pakistan's desi burger.
The Story
Bun Kebab is a beloved street food in Pakistan, often enjoyed as a hearty snack or light meal. Its combination of spiced meat patties sandwiched between soft buns reflects the country's rich culinary heritage and social culture, bringing people together over shared flavors and memories.
Nutrition per Serving
350
Calories
20g
Protein
30g
Carbs
18g
Fat
3g
Fiber
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Start by boiling the potato in water for about 10-12 minutes or until soft. You can check by piercing it with a fork; it should be tender. Once cooked, peel and mash it in a bowl.
- 2
In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The onions should be translucent and aromatic.
- 3
Add the minced meat to the pan with the sautéed onions. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. The meat should turn brown and all the moisture should evaporate.
- 4
Stir in ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for another 5 minutes until well combined. The mixture should be fragrant and seasoned to your preference.
- 5
Incorporate the mashed potato into the meat mixture and mix well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The filling should be thick and cohesive.
- 6
Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, add finely chopped fresh coriander leaves for freshness and mix thoroughly.
- 7
While the filling cools, slice the bread buns horizontally but not all the way through, creating a pocket. You can lightly toast them on a pan for added texture if desired.
- 8
Take a generous amount of the meat and potato filling and shape it into a patty that fits snugly inside the bun. Repeat this for all the buns.
- 9
In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. They should be crispy and delicious.
- 10
Once fried, place the bun kebabs on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This will help keep them crispy.
- 11
Assemble the bun kebabs by placing a fried patty inside each bun. Add slices of cucumber and onion for crunch and freshness. Serve hot with chutney or ketchup on the side.
Pro Tips
- •
For a crunchier texture, add breadcrumbs to the meat mixture before shaping the patties.
- •
Use ghee instead of oil for a richer flavor and more authentic taste.
- •
Toast the buns lightly on a pan before assembling for added warmth and crunch.
- •
Serve with a side of mint chutney or ketchup for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Variations
- →
For a healthier option, use whole wheat buns instead of regular white buns.
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Try adding mashed potatoes to the filling for a regional twist found in some areas of Pakistan.
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Swap the main ingredient with lentils for a vegetarian version of Bun Kebab.