Shish Taouk
Chicken cubes marinated in a thick yogurt-garlic paste with tomato paste and lemon, threaded on skewers and grilled until lightly charred — the classic Lebanese street-food kebab that appears in every coastal restaurant from Beirut to Byblos.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 800 g boneless chicken thighs, cubed
- 200 g full-fat plain yogurt
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced to paste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp seven spice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix yogurt, garlic paste, tomato paste, lemon juice, olive oil, seven spice, oregano, paprika, and salt into a smooth, thick marinade.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss until every surface is coated. Cover and refrigerate a minimum of 4 hours — up to 24 hours for maximum tenderness.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes (or use flat metal skewers). Thread the chicken cubes tightly, 5–6 pieces per skewer, pressing pieces together so they cook evenly.
- Heat a grill or griddle pan over high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the skewers 4–5 minutes per side, rotating once or twice to char evenly. The exterior should be lightly blackened in spots; the inside must remain juicy — do not overcook.
- Check doneness: 74 °C (165 °F) internal temperature, or juices run clear when pierced.
- Serve immediately in pita or flatbread with toum (garlic sauce), pickled vegetables, and sliced tomato.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shish Taouk?
Chicken cubes marinated in a thick yogurt-garlic paste with tomato paste and lemon, threaded on skewers and grilled until lightly charred — the classic Lebanese street-food kebab that appears in every coastal restaurant from Beirut to Byblos.
Where is Shish Taouk from?
Shish Taouk comes from Lebanese Coastal. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Shish Taouk vegetarian?
No — as written, Shish Taouk includes meat, fish, or meat-based stock, so it is not vegetarian. See the ingredient list for the specific ingredients used.
What can I use instead of seven spice in Shish Taouk?
The seven spice called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Shish Taouk its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Shish Taouk?
In a Lebanese mains spread, Shish Taouk is typically served with rice or warm flatbread, a simple salad such as fattoush or tabbouleh, and pickles or yogurt on the side.
Can I make Shish Taouk ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.