Calgary, brace yourselves! Shawarma King isn’t just about satisfying your everyday shawarma cravings. We’ve got a treasure of hidden gems waiting to be explored. This blog is your key to unlocking the secrets of our Insider’s Menu, a jackpot for adventurous eaters who crave unique flavor combinations.
We’ll be sharing some of our most popular off-menu chicken shawarma variations, along with cooking tips to help you recreate them at home (although we can’t guarantee they’ll taste quite as good as the real deal!). So, buckle up, grab your metaphorical (or literal) flamethrower, and get ready to experience shawarma like never before.
The Classics with a Twist: Infused Marinades
Our marinades are the heart and soul of our shawarma. They’re what imbue the chicken with its juicy tenderness and explosive flavors. Here are a few twists on the classics that will tantalize your taste buds:
1. Harissa Chicken Shawarma: Harissa, a fiery North African chili paste, adds a smoky depth to the marinade. Combine it with paprika, cumin, coriander, and a touch of honey for a sweet-heat explosion. Cooking Tip: Marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Lemon Herb Chicken Shawarma: For a lighter, more refreshing twist, try a marinade infused with fresh lemon juice, zest, and a generous amount of chopped herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley. A drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of garlic powder complete this Mediterranean masterpiece. Cooking Tip: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most succulent results.
3. Tandoori Chicken Shawarma: Spice things up with a vibrant tandoori marinade. Yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, garam masala, and a touch of red chili powder create an aromatic and flavorful base. Don’t forget a sprinkle of saffron for that signature golden hue! Cooking Tip: Marinate the chicken in a yogurt base for at least 24 hours to ensure the flavors penetrate deep into the meat.
Fusion Fare: Global Shawarma Inspirations
Shawarma transcends borders! Here are some exciting, globally-inspired chicken shawarma variations that will take your taste buds on a trip around the world:
Korean BBQ Chicken Shawarma: Gochujang, the fiery Korean chili paste, takes center stage in this marinade. Combine it with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for a sweet, savory, and spicy punch. Cooking Tip: To mimic the caramelized bits found in Korean BBQ, grill the shawarma slices with a final brush of gochujang sauce.
Jerk Chicken Shawarma: Bring the Caribbean heat with a jerk marinade. Allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers (beware the spice!), soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of rum create an explosion of island flavors. Cooking Tip: Don’t forget to marinate the chicken for at least 24 hours to allow the jerk flavors to permeate the meat.
Greek Souvlaki Chicken Shawarma: Marinated in a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and onion, this recipe captures the essence of the classic Greek souvlaki. To complete the experience, serve it with a side of tzatziki sauce and chopped red onion. Cooking Tip: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill them for an authentic souvlaki experience.
While recreating restaurant-style shawarma at home can be tricky, here are some tips to get you close:
Invest in a good meat grinder: Grinding your own chicken allows you to control the fat content and texture. Aim for a coarse grind for the best shawarma experience.
Marinate, marinate, marinate: As you’ve seen in our recipes, flavorful marinades are key. Don’t skimp on the marinating time – the longer, the better.
Cook it slow and low: Use a slow cooker or oven set to low heat to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly without drying out.
The power of the sear: Once the chicken is cooked through, give it a final sear over high heat to achieve that crispy, caramelized exterior.
The Final Shawarma Down: Shawarma King’s Insider’s Menu is a playground for the adventurous eater. With these recipes and cooking tips as your guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a shawarma connoisseur at home. But remember, there’s nothing quite like the experience of enjoying our expertly crafted shawarma creations. So, the next time you’re craving a unique shawarma experience, visit Shawarma King! We’ll take you on a delicious journey with our flavorful chicken shawarma variations, both on and off the menu.