Shish Taouk

Shish taouk is Lebanon’s answer to the kebab question: cubes of chicken marinated in a garlicky yogurt sauce, skewered and grilled until the edges char and the juices run clear. It is the most ordered dish in Lebanese restaurants abroad, and for good reason — families grill it at every summer gathering, and children grow up knowing its smell.

Smoky char and a punch of garlic

The marinade does the heavy lifting — yogurt tenderizes the chicken while a serious amount of garlic, lemon, and a touch of tomato paste build layers of flavor that taste like they took all day. Grilled over high heat, the outside gets smoky, charred spots while the inside stays juicy and tender. If you do not have skewers, the chicken cooks just as well in a screaming-hot cast-iron pan. Serve the skewers over garlicky rice with grilled tomatoes and a swipe of toum, the legendary Lebanese garlic sauce, on the side.

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