Syrian Shish Tawook: Grilled Yogurt-Marinated Skewers

Syrian Shish Tawook is a beloved Middle Eastern dish known for its tender chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful yogurt-based mixture. The marinade, packed with aromatic spices, lemon, and garlic, creates juicy and flavorful chicken that grills to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for an easy weeknight meal, these grilled skewers are sure to impress. Serve with warm pita, a side of creamy garlic sauce, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 2-3 hours marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Number of Servings: 4
• Serving Size: 2 skewers with a side of pita and salad

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Dietary Info: Gluten-free, high in protein

Ingredients List

• For the Marinade:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

• For the Chicken Skewers:

  • 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

• For Serving (Optional):

  • Pita bread or flatbreads
  • Fresh salad (tomato, cucumber, red onion)
  • Garlic sauce or tahini sauce
  • Fresh lemon wedges

Detailed Method of Preparation

Prepare the Marinade:

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly blended into a smooth marinade. For added flavor, you can also mix in some finely chopped parsley.

Marinate the Chicken:

2. Coat the Chicken:
   • Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring that all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.

Prepare the Skewers:

3. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
   • Once the chicken has marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, packing them tightly together but leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even grilling.

Grill the Shish Tawook:

4. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to a nice, hot embers stage.
5. Grill the Skewers:
   • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly on all sides. The chicken should have grill marks and a slight char, and the internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). The chicken will be tender, juicy, and infused with the smoky flavors from the grill.

Serve:

6. Serve the Skewers:
   • Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the Syrian Shish Tawook with warm pita bread, a fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumber, and onions, and a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce or tahini sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will add a delightful zest to the dish.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breast is commonly used, chicken thighs are ideal for Shish Tawook because they stay juicy and tender when grilled.
• Let the Chicken Marinate: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for 3 hours or overnight. The yogurt tenderizes the meat and infuses it with spices.
• Grill Over Medium Heat: To avoid burning the chicken while ensuring it cooks through, grill the skewers over medium heat, turning occasionally.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time on the day of grilling and allows the flavors to develop even more.
• Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair your Shish Tawook with a refreshing tabbouleh, fattoush salad, or a simple cucumber-yogurt salad to balance the richness of the grilled chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Shish Tawook without a grill? Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook the skewers in a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven. Just make sure to cook them on medium-high heat, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and juiciness, chicken breasts will also work. Just be sure to not overcook them, as they tend to dry out more quickly than thighs.

3. What can I substitute for yogurt in the marinade? If you need a dairy-free or lighter alternative, you can use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious.

4. Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Place the marinated chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.

Syrian Shish Tawook is a flavorful, juicy dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, weekend barbecue, or special celebration. The combination of yogurt, aromatic spices, and tender chicken skewers will transport your taste buds to the streets of Syria. Serve with fresh sides and sauces, and you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy!