Entree: Armenia – Lake Sevan – Իշխան ձկի քյաբաբ ➤ Ishkhan dzki kyabab (Grilled skewered Sevan trout marinated with lemon and Armenian spices)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 8 min

Additional 15 min

Total 43 min

Ingredients

- 2 trout fillets, approx. 8 oz (225 g) each, skin on, cut into 1–1.5 in (2.5–4 cm) pieces
- 1 medium onion, approx. 6 oz (170 g), finely grated
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil or sunflower oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground sumac
- 1 tsp (5 g) fine salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) sweet paprika
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water 30 min before grilling, or metal skewers
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Lavash or flatbread for serving (no measurement required)

Instructions

1. Marinate and skewer: In a bowl whisk together grated onion, lemon juice, oil, garlic, sumac, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the trout pieces and gently toss to coat; let sit 15–30 minutes in the refrigerator (do not overmarinate or the fish will become firm). Thread the marinated fish pieces onto soaked skewers, leaving small gaps for even cooking, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
2. Grill and finish: Preheat a grill or cast-iron pan to medium-high. Oil the grate or pan lightly and grill skewers 3–4 minutes per side until the fish is opaque and just cooked through with a light char. Transfer to a platter, squeeze fresh lemon over the kebabs, and serve immediately with lavash and lemon wedges.