Shami Kebab Recipes
Smooth, pan-fried patties of boiled meat and split chickpeas. A tea-time classic found in every Pakistani home.
What is Shami Kebab?
Smooth, pan-fried patties of boiled meat and split chickpeas. A tea-time classic found in every Pakistani home.
Regional Variants at a Glance
| Variant | Region | Prep | Cook | Difficulty | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lahori Shami Kebab | Punjab | 30m | 2h | Medium | 6 |
| Lahori Shami Kebab — A Classic Variation | Punjab | 20m | 1h | Medium | 5 |
| Sindhi Shami Kebab — with Potato | Sindh | 25m | 55m | Medium | 5 |
| Chicken Shami Kebab | Punjab | 20m | 40m | Medium | 5 |
All Shami Kebab Recipes
Lahori Shami Kebab
Lahori Shami Kebab are silky-smooth pan-fried patties made from slow-cooked beef and split chickpeas — spiced, herb-flecked, and crispy at the edges. The quintessential Pakistani tea-time snack.
Lahori Shami Kebab — A Classic Variation
Classic Lahori-style shami kebab made with beef mince and chana dal slow-cooked with whole spices, ground and shaped into patties and fried to a golden crust. Served with green chutney and salad, this is Punjab's favourite kebab — at every dawat table from Lahore to Faisalabad.
Sindhi Shami Kebab — with Potato
Sindhi-style shami kebab sets itself apart by incorporating boiled aloo (potato) into the mince mixture, making it softer, more economical, and distinctly texturally different from Punjabi versions. Cooked with a Sindhi spice profile and served with Sindhi-style green chutney.
Chicken Shami Kebab
Light and flavourful chicken shami kebab made with chicken mince and chana dal, seasoned with fresh herbs and whole spices. A leaner alternative to the classic beef version that is quicker to cook, easier to shape, and just as delicious with green chutney.