Join me as I explore the rich and exotic flavors of homemade Lebanese shish tawook. It will transport your taste buds to another world. With a recipe straight from the kitchen of a Lebanese chef, you’ll learn how to create this delectable chicken skewer dish. Furthermore, you’ll even add your own unique twist to it. So, grab your apron and get ready to experience the magic of Middle Eastern cuisine!
The day I visited a Middle Eastern restaurant in Indianapolis, I was not prepared for the gastronomic adventure that awaited me. As soon as I entered, the exotic aroma of spices and flavors filled my senses. I knew that I was in for a treat. I took a seat at a small table, and a friendly Lebanese woman greeted me with a warm smile. She introduced herself as the chef and recommended the homemade shish tawook. It’s a marinated chicken skewer dish, which was one of the specialties of the restaurant.
While I was savoring the succulent chicken, I couldn’t help but notice that there was a flurry of activity in the kitchen. It turned out that a food critic was visiting the restaurant that day. Hence, the pressure was on the kitchen staff to perform exceptionally. The chef was moving quickly from one dish to another, tasting and adjusting the flavors. She ensured that every dish was perfect.
As I finished my meal, I knew that I had to try to recreate the delicious shish tawook at home. I asked the server if the chef would be willing to share her recipe with me. A few minutes later, the chef appeared at my table with a piece of paper in her hand. She had written down the recipe for me and explained each step in detail. Moreover, she even gave me some tips on how to adjust the seasoning to my taste and where to buy the best ingredients.
She made the shish tawook with tender cubes of boneless chicken breasts. Next, she marinated it in a mixture of plain yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic. The marinade is seasoned with paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Finally, she threaded the chicken onto wooden skewers for grilling or broiling, resulting in deliciously flavorful and juicy skewers of shish tawook.
Shish Tawook is incredibly versatile. Therefore, you can have it with a variety of accompaniments to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some options to consider:
Grilled Vegetables: Serve shish tawook with a side of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions. The charred flavors of the vegetables complement the juicy chicken perfectly.
Rice Pilaf: A classic choice to serve with shish tawook is flavorful rice pilaf. Prepare a fragrant pilaf using basmati or jasmine rice cooked with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin.
Hummus and Pita Bread: Shish tawook pairs wonderfully with creamy hummus and warm pita bread. The smooth texture of hummus, combined with the tender chicken, creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Tabbouleh Salad: Tabbouleh, is a traditional Middle Eastern salad made with bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It makes a refreshing and vibrant side dish for shish tawook. Its light and tangy flavors complement the richness of the chicken.
Garlic Sauce: A tangy and garlicky sauce is a must-have condiment for shish tawook. Whip up a simple garlic sauce using garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and yogurt. It adds a zesty kick and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Pickles and Olives: Add a touch of briny and tangy flavors to your shish tawook platter by serving it with a side of pickles and olives. These tangy accompaniments provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
Tzatziki Sauce: Tzatziki, a creamy cucumber and yogurt sauce, is another fantastic option to serve with shish tawook. Its cool and refreshing taste complements the smoky flavors of the grilled chicken.
Fresh Salad: Create a vibrant salad using crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Toss it with a light dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for a refreshing and healthy side dish.
Remember, these are just suggestions, and you can mix and match according to your preferences and the occasion. With its flavorful marinade and versatile nature, shish tawook can be paired with an array of sides to create a memorable and satisfying meal.
Here is how I created the delectable homemade shish tawook.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers
How to create the homemade Lebanese shish tawook?
- In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, oil (olive), garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric as well as salt and black pepper. Combining these ingredients gives a fragrant mixture.
- In a bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients and then add the chicken cubes, stirring until all of the pieces are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it in the refrigerator for 2 hours, or better yet, overnight.
- Soak the wooden skewers for 30 minutes in advance prior to cooking, as doing so will help stop them from burning.
- Turn up the heat; it’s grilling time! Prepare your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat in order to begin cooking.
- Thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Cook the chicken skewers by grilling them for 10-12 minutes, turning them as needed, until they are done and have a bold outer char.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Do you want to make your homemade shish tawook more exciting? Try these three unique twists:
Spicy Shish Tawook: if you like your food spicy, add some heat to your shish tawook by mixing in some harissa paste or red pepper flakes to the marinade. This will give the chicken a fiery kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
Mediterranean Shish Tawook: for a Mediterranean twist on this classic dish, add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme to the marinade. You can also add some diced tomatoes and onions to the skewers for a burst of flavor and color.
Citrusy Shish Tawook: to give your shish tawook a citrusy twist, substitute the lemon juice in the marinade with orange juice. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken that pairs well with the Middle Eastern spices. You can also garnish the skewers with some orange wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just starting to explore new flavors, the homemade Lebanese shish tawook is a dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds! With its succulent marinated chicken and bold blend of spices, it’s no wonder this dish has become a beloved specialty of Middle Eastern cuisine. So why not try making this flavorful dish at home and impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills? With the recipe and tips provided, you’re sure to create a dish that is just as delicious as the one served at the Middle Eastern restaurant in Indianapolis.
