Traditional Chinese Chicken Shashlik Recipe

Chicken Shashlik is a delightful Chinese-inspired dish that combines tender boneless chicken cubes, colorful bell peppers, and red onions, all generously coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. This recipe offers a burst of flavors that will please both adults and kids alike, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. The term “shashlik” refers to skewered and grilled meat, resembling the concept of shish kebabs. While this dish carries Chinese influence, it shares common elements with the globally loved concept of grilled and saucy skewers.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken cubes
• 1/4 cup whole milk yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon white pepper powder
• 1 cup red onion, cut into squares
• 1 cup red bell pepper, cut into squares
• Wooden skewers
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup green bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon chopped ginger

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by preparing a marinade. In a large bowl, combine salt, black pepper, red chili flakes, white vinegar, chili garlic sauce, chopped garlic, chopped ginger, yogurt, and boneless chicken cubes. Mix well and allow it to marinate for about fifteen minutes. This step enhances the flavors and tenderness of the chicken.
2. While the chicken marinates, create a flavorful sauce. In a large pan, add tomato paste, tomato ketchup, white pepper powder, sugar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook the ingredients for approximately ten minutes, stirring regularly, until they form a rich and savory sauce.
3. For assembling the skewers, cut the bell peppers and red onions into square shapes. Alternate threading the marinated chicken cubes, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion onto the wooden skewers. This alternating arrangement ensures even cooking and an appealing presentation.
4. Heat a grilling pan or fire up your grill for an outdoor barbecue experience. Place the skewers on the grilling pan and grill them on all sides until they develop a golden-brown color, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. This should take a few minutes.
5. Carefully transfer the shashlik sticks to a serving plate.
6. Finally, generously pour the prepared sauce over the skewers, ensuring they are well-coated. This sauce enhances the flavor and adds an irresistible saucy finish to your Chicken Shashlik.
7. Your Chicken Shashlik is now ready to be served. Pair it with steamed rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.

TIPS:

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use boneless chicken cubes of good quality. You can opt for chicken breast or thigh meat, but make sure it’s fresh and free of excess fat.
• Uniform Cubes: When cutting the chicken into cubes, ensure they are of similar size. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.
• Marinate Thoroughly: Allow the chicken to marinate in the yogurt and spice mixture for at least 15 minutes. Longer marination, even up to a few hours in the refrigerator, can enhance the flavor.
• Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken and vegetables. This prevents the skewers from burning during grilling.
• Balanced Marinade: Adjust the spice levels in the marinade to suit your preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili flakes and chili garlic sauce to control the heat.
• Skewer Alternation: When assembling the skewers, alternate between chicken, red onions, and bell peppers. This ensures a beautiful presentation and even cooking.
• Grilling or Broiling: You can cook Chicken Shashlik on a grill or broil them in the oven. Either way, ensure the skewers are evenly spaced to cook properly.
• Basting with Sauce: While grilling or broiling, baste the skewers with the prepared sauce. This adds a layer of flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
• Serving Sauce: Serve the remaining sauce alongside the Chicken Shashlik for dipping or drizzling. This sauce adds a burst of flavor to each bite.