Step one: meat. No compromises
The perfect shashlik starts with the perfect meat. And here the arguments begin, which can end... in a second round of shashlik.
Pork is a juicy classic. Especially the neck. Yes, nutritionists unanimously roll their eyes at this point.
Chicken is quick, easy, suitable for those who count calories, but not taste.
Beef - if you know how to cook it. Otherwise, you won't get shashlik, but a "protein chewy product".
Important: don't skimp on meat. Because the taste of shashlik directly depends on its quality, and not on the shaman's magical dance at the grill. Although dancing helps too.

Step two: marinade. Point of disagreement
There are two types of people: those who marinate shashlik with vinegar, and those who don't do it anymore.
Here is one of the universal recipes (which does not cause international conflicts):
Marinade:
Onions - a lot (at least 3-4 onions per 1 kg of meat). Grate or finely chop.
Salt, pepper - to taste.
A little sugar - for a caramel crust.
Oil - 2-3 tbsp. (vegetable or olive).
Mineral water or kefir - if you want it soft.
Herbs, spices - to taste. Coriander, paprika, cumin — sounds like a song!
Marinate for at least 3-4 hours, or better yet, overnight. And always with music. This is important for the taste.

Step three: fire, skewer, atmosphere
The coals should be burnt out, without a flame. Patience, my friend.
Fry the meat at a distance, not “in the fires of hell.”
Don’t poke the skewer every 30 seconds. Let the meat breathe.
Rotate evenly. Like a carousel, but without squeals.
While the meat sizzles, someone should tell stories, someone should cut vegetables, and someone should look for salt that “was somewhere.”
Step four: serve with mood
Shashlik does not tolerate loneliness. He loves:
Fresh vegetables,
Sauce (not mayonnaise, please),
Warm lavash,
And a company that will say: "You fried something!"
And finally: a philosophical moment
What makes shashlik perfect?
Meat, marinade, the heat of the coals, a little smoke... and the one who eats it with you. After all, shashlik is about taste, but even more - about the atmosphere. About friends, laughter, funny stories and "let's have another skewer and go home."
So yes, the recipe for the perfect shashlik is 50% cuisine and 50% soul.