Shish Tawook, a culinary gem from Lebanon, is a dish that never fails to delight the palate. If you’re looking for an authentic and delectable Lebanese Shish Tawook recipe, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’ll guide you through the steps of creating this flavorful dish, along with some interesting insights and tips to make your culinary journey even more enjoyable.
Lebanese Shish Tawook
Before we dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe, let’s take a moment to understand what makes Lebanese Shish Tawook so special.
Lebanese cuisine is known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. Shish Tawook, a popular Lebanese dish, is no exception.
It’s a tantalizing combination of marinated chicken, yogurt, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices, skewered and grilled to perfection.
The result? Juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful chicken skewers that are hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat.
- 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt.
- 4-5 cloves of fresh garlic, minced.
- Juice of 1-2 lemons.
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon paprika.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste).
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
One of the key secrets to a perfect Lebanese Shish Tawook is the marinade. To infuse the chicken with flavor, follow these steps:
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Ensure each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight for the best results.
The Art of Skewering
Now that your chicken is marinating, let’s talk about skewering. The way you skewer your chicken can make a difference in cooking consistency.
- Wooden Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Metal Skewers: If you have metal skewers, use them. They conduct heat and cook the chicken more evenly.
Skewering the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece. This ensures even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
Grilling to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
Grill Time
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is charred and cooked through.
Lebanese Shish Tawook Recipe
It's a tantalizing combination of marinated chicken, yogurt, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices, skewered and grilled to perfection.
- 1.5 pounds 680 grams boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat.
- 1 cup 240 ml plain Greek yogurt.
- 4-5 cloves of fresh garlic (minced.)
- Juice of 1-2 lemons.
- 1/4 cup 60 ml olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon paprika.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste.)
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Ensure each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight for the best results.
- Wooden Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Metal Skewers: If you have metal skewers, use them. They conduct heat and cook the chicken more evenly.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece. This ensures even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is charred and cooked through.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for Shish Tawook?
Traditionally, boneless chicken is used for Shish Tawook for ease of skewering and quicker cooking. However, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What should I serve with Shish Tawook?
Shish Tawook pairs perfectly with fresh pita bread, tahini sauce, and a crisp cucumber-tomato salad.
Can I make Shish Tawook in the oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the skewers for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.
Is Shish Tawook spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer it spicier, add more cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Can I use a grill pan instead of a grill?
Absolutely, a grill pan works well for indoor cooking and will give your Shish Tawook a similar charred flavor.
What’s the origin of Shish Tawook?
Shish Tawook has its roots in Lebanon and is a beloved dish throughout the Middle East.
Final Thoughts
The Lebanese Shish Tawook recipe is a delightful journey into the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine. With its tantalizing flavors and tender, juicy chicken, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or hosting a barbecue, Shish Tawook is sure to impress. Enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of this beloved Middle Eastern dish – it’s a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.
