Shish Tawook

Try this Authentic Shish Tawook recipe – a popular Lebanese grilled chicken skewers recipe. It’s tender juicy chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon, and garlic. Perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or any special occasion, Shish Tawook offers a delightful blend of flavors that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Rich Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with a tangy and aromatic taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or even in wraps for a delicious meal anytime.
• Healthy Choice: With lean chicken breast and yogurt marinade, Shish Tawook is a nutritious option that’s low in calories.
• Perfect for Grilling: Enjoy the smoky char from grilling that adds an irresistible flavor to the chicken skewers.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Shish Tawook, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for holding the marinated chicken pieces together while cooking; they keep everything evenly spaced for proper grilling.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining all the marinade ingredients effectively, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated well.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides the heat needed to cook the chicken thoroughly while adding that delicious grilled flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into large chunks)
• ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Shish Tawook

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, add all the marinade ingredients: yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the large chunks of chicken into the same bowl. Ensure each piece is generously coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours; overnight is even better for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Thread onto Skewers

When ready to grill, take out the marinated chicken from the fridge. Thread each piece onto skewers. Optionally add onion wedges between pieces for extra flavor.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for 5–8 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and nicely charred.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve your delicious Shish Tawook with warm pita bread, fresh lettuce, and creamy garlic sauce if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Shish Tawook

Shish Tawook is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Pita Bread

• Serve the skewers wrapped in warm pita bread for a delightful handheld meal.

Fresh Vegetables

• Pair with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers to add freshness and crunch.

Garlic Sauce

• Drizzle or dip in creamy garlic sauce for an extra layer of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

Mediterranean Salad

• A light salad with olives, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing side.

Rice Pilaf

• Serve over fluffy rice pilaf to soak up the delicious juices from the grilled chicken.

Grilled Veggies

• Accompany with grilled vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers for a colorful plate.

How to Perfect Shish Tawook

To achieve the best Shish Tawook, follow these essential tips for marinating and grilling.

• Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight instead of just four hours.
• Use Wooden Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Preheat Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before cooking; this helps give the chicken a nice char while keeping it juicy.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
• Include Onions: Threading onions onto skewers adds flavor and moisture as they cook alongside the chicken.
• Let Rest After Cooking: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling; this helps retain juices when served.

Best Side Dishes for Shish Tawook

Shish Tawook pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad made from parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, and lemon juice that brightens up your meal.
2. Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip that adds richness; serve with additional pita for dipping.
3. Fattoush Salad: A mixed salad with crispy pita chips tossed in tangy dressing provides great texture.
4. Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes bring heartiness to your plate while complementing the spices in Shish Tawook.
5. Couscous: Fluffy couscous cooked in broth absorbs flavors well and acts as a great base for the skewers.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness; brush it with olive oil and season before grilling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Shish Tawook can be simple, but certain pitfalls can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using cold chicken: Starting with cold chicken can prevent proper marination. Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before marinating.
• Skipping the marination time: Marinating for less than 4 hours may not allow the flavors to penetrate. Aim for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight for best results.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Placing too many pieces of chicken on each skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there is space between each piece for even grilling.
• Grilling at high heat: Cooking on high heat may char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Use medium heat for a more controlled cooking process.
• Ignoring doneness: Not checking if the chicken is fully cooked can lead to food safety issues. Always use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the chicken cool completely before sealing, to prevent condensation.

Freezing Shish Tawook

• Wrap cooked skewers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Shish Tawook

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and place the skewers in the pan, warming them for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Shish Tawook that might help you.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken for Shish Tawook?

Yes, you can use lamb or beef as alternatives. Just adjust the marination time based on the type of meat used.

How do I make Shish Tawook spicy?

To add spice, include chili powder or cayenne pepper in your marinade. Adjust according to your taste preference.

What sides pair well with Shish Tawook?

Shish Tawook pairs wonderfully with rice pilaf, tabbouleh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I grill Shish Tawook indoors?

Yes, using a grill pan on your stovetop is an effective way to cook Shish Tawook indoors while achieving good char and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Shish Tawook recipe is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! You can customize it by adding different spices or serving it with various sides. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will surely impress your family and friends. Give it a try today!

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Authentic Shish Tawook

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Authentic Shish Tawook, a popular Lebanese dish featuring tender, juicy grilled chicken skewers. Marinated in a luscious blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic, this recipe is perfect for any occasion – from family dinners to casual barbecues.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into large chunks)
• ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add chicken chunks to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers (add onion wedges if desired).
4. Grill skewers for 5–8 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and charred.
5. Serve hot with pita bread, fresh veggies, or garlic sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Lebanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer (150g)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg