Shish Taouk Traditional Lebanese Kebabs

Shish Taouk Lebanese Kebabs

Shish Taouk is a traditional Lebanese dish with tender, marinated chicken skewers, grilled to perfection. The name “Shish Taouk” comes from the Turkish words “şiş,” meaning skewer, and “tavuk,” meaning chicken, reflecting the dish’s origins in the broader Levantine and Ottoman culinary traditions.

Ingredients and Preparation

The key to a delicious Shish Taouk lies in its marinade, which infuses the chicken with deep, complex flavours. The marinade typically includes yoghurt, which acts as a tenderizer, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and moist even after grilling. Garlic is another essential ingredient, lending the marinade a robust, aromatic base. Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the yoghurt, while olive oil helps to blend the flavours and maintain the chicken’s moisture. Additional spices such as cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper are often included to add warmth and depth.

To prepare Shish Taouk, chicken breasts or thighs are cut into bite-sized cubes and thoroughly coated with the marinade. The marinated chicken is left to rest for several hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavours to penetrate deeply. Once marinated, the chicken pieces are threaded onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes, which not only add colour but also complement the chicken’s flavours.

Cooking and Serving

The skewers are grilled over medium-high heat until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, imparting a smoky flavour that enhances the dish’s overall taste. The grilling process typically takes around 10-15 minutes, with the skewers turned occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Shish Taouk is often served with a side of warm pita bread, garlic sauce (toum), and a fresh salad, such as fattoush or tabbouleh. It can also be accompanied by rice or bulgur wheat. This dish is a staple in Lebanese cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity, vibrant flavours, and versatility, making it a favourite at family gatherings and barbecues.

Shish Taouk Lebanese Kebabs Recipe

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs (700g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 cup plain yogurt
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for added colour)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 large onion, cut into large chunks
1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), cut into large chunks
Cherry tomatoes (optional)
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade:
-In a large mixing bowl, combine the yoghurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and tomato paste. Mix well.
-Add the ground cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.

Marinate the Chicken:
-Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
-Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to infuse.

Prepare the Skewers:
-If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
-Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of onion, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes, if using.

Grill the Kebabs:
-Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat.
-Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slight char.