Looking for the perfect crowd-pleasing non-vegetarian starters to kick off your next gathering or family dinner? Non-veg starters are a great way to tantalize taste buds with bold flavors, succulent textures, and irresistible aromas.
Whether you prefer the smoky char of grilled meats, the crispy crunch of fried delights, or the rich spices of marinated bites, this collection of the best non-veg starter recipes has something for every palate.
These dishes are not only delicious but also relatively easy to prepare, making them ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. Get ready to impress your guests with these mouthwatering starters that promise to set the tone for an unforgettable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These non-veg starters are packed with vibrant flavors and exciting textures that will awaken your senses. From juicy chicken wings to spicy lamb kebabs and flavorful shrimp bites, each recipe is crafted to deliver maximum taste with minimal fuss.
The use of fresh herbs, spices, and marinades ensures a perfect balance of heat, zest, and savoriness. Plus, these recipes are versatile enough to adapt to your preferred cooking methods—grilling, frying, or baking.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a festive occasion, these starters will make your appetizer table stand out and leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings: 1 kg, skin-on
- Lamb mince: 500 g
- Shrimp: 400 g, peeled and deveined
- Garlic paste: 2 tbsp
- Ginger paste: 1 tbsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Garam masala: 1 tsp
- Fresh coriander leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup (for marinade)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Olive oil or mustard oil: 3 tbsp
- Chopped onions: 1 medium, finely chopped (optional for meatballs)
- Skewers: for kebabs
Equipment
- Mixing bowls: for marinating and mixing ingredients
- Baking tray or grill pan: for cooking chicken wings
- Skewers: for lamb kebabs and shrimp
- Frying pan: for cooking meatballs
- Oven or grill: for roasting chicken wings and kebabs
- Food thermometer: optional, to check doneness
- Brush: for applying oil or marinade
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken wings marinade: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, lemon juice, and 1 tbsp oil. Add chicken wings and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Make lamb kebab mixture: In another bowl, combine lamb mince, chopped onions, garam masala, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, chopped coriander, and 1 tbsp oil. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Shape into small kebabs on skewers.
- Prepare shrimp skewers: Toss shrimp with garlic paste, chili powder, lemon juice, salt, and 1 tbsp oil. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Cook chicken wings: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with foil and place wings on it. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 3-5 minutes.
- Grill lamb kebabs: Heat grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Cook kebabs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Cook shrimp skewers: Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
- Prepare lamb meatballs: Using remaining lamb mixture, form small meatballs. Heat oil in frying pan and cook meatballs over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Serve: Arrange all starters on a platter. Garnish with fresh coriander and lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tip: Marinating the chicken wings overnight allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavorful wings.
You can swap lamb mince with beef or chicken mince for your kebabs and meatballs if desired. For a smoky twist, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the marinades.
If you don’t have access to a grill, these starters can also be cooked in an air fryer or stovetop grill pan with great results. Spice levels are easily adjustable—add more chili powder or fresh chopped chilies for extra heat.
For a fresh contrast, serve with a mint yogurt dip or a tangy tamarind chutney.
Nutrition Facts
Starter | Calories (per serving) | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chicken Wings (4 pieces) | 280 kcal | 25 g | 18 g | 2 g |
Lamb Kebabs (2 skewers) | 320 kcal | 28 g | 20 g | 3 g |
Shrimp Skewers (5 pieces) | 150 kcal | 30 g | 2 g | 1 g |
Lamb Meatballs (3 pieces) | 270 kcal | 22 g | 18 g | 4 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your non-veg starters with a selection of dipping sauces such as mint chutney, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo for added flavor. Complement these bites with fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper for a refreshing crunch.
A side of lightly dressed salad or lemon wedges can brighten the palate. Pair these starters with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail like a Large Batch Bloody Mary for a perfect start to any party.
Conclusion
These best non-veg starter recipes are a guaranteed hit whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something delicious to start your meal. The combination of flavorful marinades, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked meats delivers a symphony of taste and texture that will excite your guests and family alike.
Plus, with easy-to-follow instructions and adaptable cooking options, you can prepare these starters with confidence and minimal stress. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations suggested to make each dish your own unique creation.
For more culinary inspiration, check out our Meatballs And Alfredo Sauce Recipe and Kosher Short Ribs Recipe. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
đź“– Recipe Card: Best Non-Veg Starters
Description: A delicious assortment of flavorful non-vegetarian starters perfect for any occasion. Quick to prepare and packed with spices for an irresistible taste.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add marinated chicken pieces and cook for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
- Add sliced onions and green chili; sauté for 5 minutes until onions are soft.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot as starters.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 6 g
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