Filipino twist on a classic: the ultimate chicken shawarma recipe for filipino palates

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Middle East with a Filipino twist! Our chicken shawarma recipe Filipino style combines the succulent taste of chicken with the vibrant spices and aromatic herbs of the Philippines. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Shawarma Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Wrap:

• 4-6 large pita breads
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess. Grill the chicken strips for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.

Step 3: Make the Shawarma Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma

Spread a generous amount of shawarma sauce onto the pita bread. Top with the grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped parsley.

Step 5: Wrap and Grill

Fold the pita bread over the filling, tucking in the sides. Grill the shawarma on both sides for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken shawarma Filipino style immediately with additional shawarma sauce and your favorite sides.

Tips

• For a more flavorful shawarma, marinate the chicken for longer.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the shawarma, such as cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers.
• You can also add cheese to the shawarma, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

Variations

• Spicy Shawarma: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or paprika to the chicken marinade.
• Herb-infused Shawarma: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro, mint, or basil, to the shawarma sauce.
• Filipino-inspired Shawarma: Top the shawarma with a fried egg or a dollop of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: What is the best way to cut the chicken for shawarma?

A: The chicken should be cut into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick and 2-3 inches long. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.

Q: Can I use other types of bread for the shawarma?

A: Yes, you can use other types of bread, such as tortillas, flatbread, or naan. However, pita bread is the traditional bread used for shawarma.

Q: How can I make the shawarma more flavorful?

A: There are several ways to make the shawarma more flavorful. You can add more spices to the chicken marinade, such as cumin, coriander, or paprika. You can also add vegetables to the shawarma, such as cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers. Finally, you can add a flavorful sauce to the shawarma, such as a tahini sauce or a yogurt sauce.