Shish Tawook: Authentic Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Shish Tawook, meaning “skewered chicken” in Turkish, is a beloved dish throughout the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. These succulent, marinated chicken kabobs are known for their vibrant flavors, tender texture, and simple preparation. This recipe will guide you through creating authentic Shish Tawook at home, perfect for grilling season, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with a flavorful and healthy meal.
What is Shish Tawook?
Shish Tawook is essentially chicken marinated in a yogurt-based mixture infused with Mediterranean spices, then threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The marinade is the key to its distinct flavor profile, creating a tender, juicy, and slightly tangy chicken that is incredibly delicious. Traditionally, Shish Tawook is served with pita bread, hummus, garlic sauce (toum), various salads, and grilled vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Why This Shish Tawook Recipe Works
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow while delivering an authentic Shish Tawook experience. Here’s why it works:
* **Balanced Marinade:** The combination of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, and spices creates a flavorful and tenderizing marinade. Yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken, while lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. The spices provide warmth and complexity.
* **Detailed Instructions:** Step-by-step instructions and clear explanations ensure that even novice cooks can achieve perfect results.
* **Customizable:** The recipe offers suggestions for customizing the marinade and grilling methods to suit your preferences.
* **Authentic Flavor:** Using the right blend of spices is crucial for achieving the authentic Shish Tawook flavor. This recipe uses a traditional spice blend that captures the essence of the dish.
* **Versatile Serving Options:** Suggestions for serving Shish Tawook with various accompaniments provide ideas for creating a complete and memorable meal.
Ingredients for Shish Tawook
Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious Shish Tawook:
* **Chicken:** 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicier during grilling, but chicken breasts are a leaner option.
* **Yogurt:** 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat or low-fat). Greek yogurt provides a thicker and tangier marinade.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its brighter flavor.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is a key flavor component of the marinade.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste adds depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. Olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist during grilling.
* **Paprika:** 2 teaspoons sweet paprika. Paprika adds color and a mild, sweet flavor.
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Cumin provides a warm, earthy flavor.
* **Turmeric:** 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric. Turmeric adds color and a subtle earthy flavor.
* **Cinnamon:** 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cinnamon adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat). Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground.
* **Wooden or Metal Skewers:** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Equipment Needed
* Large bowl
* Whisk or spoon
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Skewers (wooden or metal)
* Grill or grill pan
How to Make Shish Tawook: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Shish Tawook every time:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts or thighs.
2. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Try to cut the pieces as evenly as possible to ensure even cooking.
**Step 2: Make the Marinade**
1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined and smooth. The marinade should be thick and creamy.
**Step 3: Marinate the Chicken**
1. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade.
2. Mix well, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
4. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. Aim for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours for the best results.
**Step 4: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers**
1. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
2. Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. Avoid overcrowding the skewers, as this can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
**Step 5: Grill the Shish Tawook**
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place the skewers on the preheated grill.
4. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. If using a grill pan, heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the skewers in batches, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
**Step 6: Rest and Serve**
1. Once the Shish Tawook is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
2. Serve the Shish Tawook hot with your favorite accompaniments.
Tips for Perfect Shish Tawook
* **Use High-Quality Chicken:** The quality of the chicken will impact the final taste of the dish. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts or thighs.
* **Marinate for at Least 4 Hours:** The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight marinating is ideal.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers:** Leave a small space between each piece of chicken on the skewers to ensure even cooking.
* **Preheat the Grill Properly:** Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the skewers on the grill.
* **Oil the Grill Grates:** Lightly oiling the grill grates will prevent the chicken from sticking.
* **Turn the Skewers Regularly:** Turning the skewers occasionally will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly on all sides.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** Let the cooked Shish Tawook rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Variations and Customizations
* **Spicy Shish Tawook:** Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier kick.
* **Herbaceous Shish Tawook:** Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint to the marinade for a more herbaceous flavor.
* **Vegetable Skewers:** Thread vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes onto separate skewers and grill them alongside the chicken. Brush the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
* **Citrusy Shish Tawook:** Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the marinade for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
* **Sweet and Tangy Shish Tawook:** Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Garlic Powder and Onion Powder:** Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to enhance the flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
Shish Tawook is traditionally served with a variety of accompaniments, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
* **Pita Bread:** Warm pita bread is a must-have for serving with Shish Tawook. Use it to wrap the chicken and other accompaniments.
* **Hummus:** Creamy hummus is a classic pairing for Shish Tawook. The flavors complement each other perfectly.
* **Garlic Sauce (Toum):** Toum is a Lebanese garlic sauce that is incredibly flavorful and adds a delicious kick to Shish Tawook. It’s made with garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt.
* **Tzatziki Sauce:** Tzatziki sauce, made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, is a refreshing accompaniment to Shish Tawook.
* **Salads:** Serve Shish Tawook with salads like tabbouleh (parsley salad), fattoush (bread salad), or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Grill vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and tomatoes alongside the chicken for a complete and healthy meal.
* **Rice Pilaf:** Rice pilaf is a great side dish to serve with Shish Tawook. It adds a hearty and comforting element to the meal.
* **Pickled Vegetables:** Pickled vegetables like turnips or cucumbers add a tangy and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Lemon Wedges:** Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken and other accompaniments.
## Storage Instructions
* **Leftover Shish Tawook:** Store leftover Shish Tawook in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the Shish Tawook in the microwave, oven, or on the grill. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat on the grill, grill for a few minutes per side, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken when reheating.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze cooked Shish Tawook for up to 2-3 months. Let the chicken cool completely before freezing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 40-45g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
## Conclusion
Shish Tawook is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender, marinated chicken and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides detailed instructions and helpful tips for creating authentic Shish Tawook at home. Enjoy!