Kabab Barg — Persian Fillet Kabab

Why This Works for Intermittent Fasting

Yes — Kabab Barg is one of the best Iranian foods to break a fast with. It is nothing but thin slices of fillet marinated in saffron, onion juice and lemon, then grilled. That means high-quality protein, almost no carbohydrate, and no added sugar, so your insulin stays low while your hunger disappears fast.

Because Barg uses a lean cut, it is lighter on the stomach than koobideh — useful after a long fast when your digestion needs an easy first meal. Onion juice acts as a natural tenderiser, and saffron gives flavour with zero calories. The one rule: serve it with grilled tomato and herbs, not with a mountain of chelow. Learn how to break a fast correctly before you sit down to it.

Ingredients

• 700 g beef tenderloin or lamb fillet, sliced 1 cm thick and lightly flattened
• 1 large onion, grated and juice squeezed out (use the juice, discard the pulp)
• ½ tsp saffron threads, ground and steeped in 3 tbsp hot water
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter, melted, for basting
• Grilled tomatoes and sumac, to serve

Method

1. Slice the meat. Cut the fillet into long, thin strips about 1 cm thick and gently flatten with the side of a knife.
2. Marinate. Mix onion juice, half the saffron water, lemon juice, olive oil and pepper. Add the meat, cover, and refrigerate 4–24 hours. Do not salt yet.
3. Salt late. Salt the meat only 10 minutes before grilling so it stays juicy.
4. Skewer. Thread the strips lengthways onto flat skewers.
5. Grill hot and fast. Over high heat, 3–4 minutes per side. Barg is ruined by overcooking — pull it while still pink inside.
6. Baste. Brush with melted butter mixed with the remaining saffron water.
7. Serve with grilled tomato, sumac and fresh herbs. Skip the rice to keep it a clean fasting-window meal.

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are approximate and vary with the cut of meat used.

Fasting Protocol Compatibility

Without rice, Kabab Barg is essentially a Persian steak plate — lean protein, no sugar, and one of the most fasting-aligned dishes on any Iranian menu.

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Nutrition information is approximate. Consult a health professional for personalised nutrition advice.