Turmeric Chicken Skewers with Cilantro-Coconut Lime Dip
An Indian-inspired dish for your chicken makes a bright, summery idea for a cookout or barbecue besides the usual burgers and hot dogs. Turmeric is such a healthy addition to any meal.
An Indian-inspired dish for your chicken makes a bright, summery idea for a cookout or barbecue besides the usual burgers and hot dogs. Turmeric is such a healthy addition to any meal.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk full fat
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons cilantro stems finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons whole white peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
- 4 large cloves garlic peeled and diced
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-i
- 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves chopped
- 1 lime juice and zest
- Carbohydrate 5.66257773925718 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 4.12779444779623 g
- Fiber 0.473713893712365 g
- Protein 0.858823075493325 g
- Saturated Fat 3.57974316969018 g
- Serving Size 1 1 skewer (151g)
- Sodium 433.362625552661 mg
- Sugar 5.18886384554482 g
- Trans Fat 0.262542527989069 g
- Calories 58 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine cilantro stems, white pepper, coriander, and garlic in a mortar and pestle and pound into a fine paste. This can also be done in a small food processor.
- In a large mixing bowl add fish sauce, oyster sauce, ground turmeric, brown sugar, and the prepared paste.
- Mix everything together well and add chicken. Toss until chicken is well coated.
- Add cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
- In a small bowl add lime zest, juice, cilantro, and the coconut milk until you have reached your favorite consistency.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto soaked bamboo skewers, pushing them tightly against each other to form a tight, compact body of meat on the skewers.
- Heat a cast-iron grill pan until very hot.
- Spray with canola oil before placing a few skewers at a time onto the pan.
- Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until thoroughly cooked through and slightly charred, about 8 minutes total.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and serve with the coconut dip.
Turmeric Chicken Skewers with Cilantro-Coconut Lime Dip: A Summer BBQ Delight
Summer is here, and that means it's time for barbecues! While burgers and hot dogs are always a crowd-pleaser, I love to mix things up with a bit of culinary adventure. This year, I'm bringing the vibrant flavors of India to the grill with my Turmeric Chicken Skewers and a refreshing Cilantro-Coconut Lime Dip. It's a simple recipe, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make, even for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering.
The secret to these skewers lies in the marinade. A blend of fragrant spices – turmeric for its vibrant color and health benefits, coriander for warmth, and a hint of white pepper for a subtle kick – creates a flavour profile that's both exotic and familiar. The addition of fish sauce and oyster sauce lends a savory depth that perfectly complements the chicken, while brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance things out. Once the chicken is marinated, the real magic begins on the grill.
I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for these skewers. They stay incredibly juicy and tender during grilling, resisting dryness even on a hot grill. The marinade ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, and the grilling process gives the chicken a beautiful char and a delightful smoky taste. I highly recommend using a cast-iron grill pan; it gets incredibly hot, leading to perfect grill marks and a deliciously crispy exterior.
But the real showstopper, the element that elevates this dish from good to extraordinary, is the Cilantro-Coconut Lime Dip. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the rich and savory chicken. The creamy coconut milk provides a luxurious base, while the bright, zesty lime juice and fragrant cilantro offer a refreshing burst of flavor. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the overall taste, making this dip the perfect companion for these skewers.
These Turmeric Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile. They're equally delightful served as an appetizer at a summer party, a main course for a family dinner, or even packed for a picnic. The vibrant colors and exotic aroma will undoubtedly impress your guests, making it a truly memorable dish. The preparation is straightforward and doesn't require any specialized culinary skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels. So, fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and prepare for a summer feast that's both delicious and unforgettable.
Beyond the amazing taste, I love the ease of preparation. The marinade can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to marinate the chicken overnight or for at least a couple of hours. This pre-planning eliminates the stress of last-minute cooking and ensures that the flavors fully meld into the chicken. Grilling the skewers is also relatively quick, requiring only about 8 minutes of active cooking time. So, even on busy evenings, this recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The combination of the vibrant turmeric, the aromatic cilantro, and the refreshing lime is truly a celebration of summer flavors. This dish is not just about taste; it’s about the experience. The vibrant colors, the delightful aroma wafting from the grill, and the satisfying sizzle of the chicken all contribute to a truly memorable culinary journey. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a flavorful weeknight meal, these Turmeric Chicken Skewers are sure to become a new family favorite. I strongly encourage you to try this recipe; it's a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with care and attention, can create a truly extraordinary culinary experience.
