otterlyslick
Culinary Explorer
I recently made Lebanese Shish Tawook, and it was absolutely fantastic! This popular grilled chicken dish is marinated in a delightful blend of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, giving it incredible flavor and tenderness. Shish Tawook is typically served with pita bread, garlic sauce, and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect option for a satisfying meal. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious dish at home:
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g (about 1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (or cinnamon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Fresh vegetables (such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
- Garlic sauce (or toum) for drizzling
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable bag and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare for Grilling:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
3. Grill the Chicken:
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skewers and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the Shish Tawook with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce. Add lemon wedges on the side for extra zest!