Survey reveals Lithuanians' favorite shashlik marinade and grilling techniques

Barbecue season in Lithuania is not just about taste but also about shared experiences and weekend rituals, according to Gintarė Kitovė, communications manager at "Iki." A recent survey by the retail chain highlights diverse preferences for preparing "šašlykai," the popular marinated meat skewers.

The survey found that a significant 51% of "Iki" shoppers prefer to marinate their barbecue meat themselves. When it comes to marinades, Lithuanians favor classic flavors. Marinades with mayonnaise emerged as the top choice, preferred by 35% of respondents. Dry marinades with spices were second at 17%, followed by vinegar-based marinades at 13%, and honey and mustard at 10%. Other popular options included kefir (9%) and mineral water (7%). Some enthusiasts even experiment with less common ingredients like kiwis.

A more divided opinion emerged on the question of basting meat during grilling. While 37% occasionally baste depending on the situation, a close 35% consider basting with beer a sacred tradition. However, 18% believe basting extinguishes the fire and spoils the taste. Another 10% use leftover marinade for basting.

To help navigate these grilling debates, "Iki" culinary chef Jolita Tamoševičienė shares two recipes: a classic mayonnaise-marinated pork neck shashlik and a more unconventional option. The classic recipe involves marinating pork neck with onions, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaves for at least six hours, then grilling for 15-20 minutes.

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Marinating meat for many Lithuanians means not only taste but also community, summer mood, weekend rituals. Therefore, it is not surprising that even seemingly simple questions – with what to marinate shashliks and whether to baste while cooking – receive so many different answers. Every family or group of friends has its own habits, and that is precisely what makes the grill season so lively and full of discoveries.