Ottolenghi Shawarma Marinade: 5 Ways to Use It on the Barbecue

Summer in Australia is synonymous with BBQs, and for food lovers looking to add a twist to their grilling, Ottolenghi’s Shawarma Marinade offers a world of flavourful possibilities. Infused with smoky spices, slow-cooked onions, sweet tomatoes, cloves, and cumin, this Shawarma Marinade brings the essence of Middle Eastern cooking to your Australian backyard. With Ottolenghi’s signature blend, your BBQ can go beyond the ordinary, allowing you to create mouth-watering dishes that will be the talk of every summer gathering.

Why Ottolenghi’s Shawarma Marinade is Perfect for BBQs

Ottolenghi’s Shawarma Marinade adds deep, complex flavours that are ideal for grilling, smoking, or slow roasting. The marinade’s blend of spices and aromatics creates a bold, earthy taste that pairs beautifully with meats, hearty vegetables, and even seafood. Unlike traditional BBQ sauces, this shawarma-inspired marinade brings a rich, smoky warmth without overpowering the natural flavours of your ingredients. And, with free Australia-wide shipping on orders over $100 from The Gourmet Pantry, you can get this premium ingredient delivered straight to your door.

Recipe Ideas to Spice Up Your BBQ with Shawarma Marinade

Ready to transform your BBQ into a Middle Eastern feast? Here are some inspiring recipes to try using Ottolenghi’s Shawarma Marinade this summer.

1. Shawarma-Marinated Lamb Skewers

Nothing says summer BBQ like lamb skewers, and Ottolenghi’s Shawarma Marinade takes them to a whole new level. Marinate cubed lamb in the Shawarma Marinade for at least 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavour). Thread the lamb onto skewers with red onion and capsicum, and grill on high heat until nicely charred. Serve with flatbreads, tzatziki, and a fresh cucumber salad for a light and delicious meal with Mediterranean flair.

2. Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs

For a tender and juicy BBQ main, marinate chicken thighs in Ottolenghi’s Shawarma Marinade and grill them to perfection. The rich spices and smokiness of the marinade give the chicken an enticing aroma and deep colour. Cook on medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C. Pair with grilled corn, a simple garlic-yoghurt dip, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

3. Shawarma-Roasted Cauliflower “Steaks”

For a delicious vegetarian BBQ option, try cauliflower “steaks” marinated in Ottolenghi’s Shawarma Marinade. Slice a whole cauliflower into thick slices, brush generously with the marinade, and grill until golden and tender. This dish is a hit with vegetarians and meat lovers alike, thanks to the marinade’s bold spices that bring a smoky, satisfying taste to the vegetable. Top with tahini sauce, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of sumac for a restaurant-quality side.

4. Shawarma Beef Burgers with Harissa Mayo

Add a twist to classic BBQ burgers by using Shawarma-marinated beef patties. Mix a spoonful of Shawarma Marinade into ground beef, form into patties, and grill until cooked to your liking. For added flair, make a spicy harissa mayo by blending a dollop of mayo with Ottolenghi Green Harissa. Serve the burgers on toasted buns with lettuce, tomatoes, and a touch of the harissa mayo.

5. Grilled Shawarma Shrimp Skewers

For seafood lovers, try marinating shrimp in the Shawarma Marinade for 30 minutes before threading them onto skewers. Grill the shrimp over high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. These skewers make an impressive appetiser or main course, especially when served with grilled veggies and a squeeze of fresh lemon. The shawarma spices beautifully complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Perfect Pairings for Your BBQ with Ottolenghi Ingredients

Complete your summer BBQ spread with other ingredients from the Ottolenghi Ingredients Range. Try serving dishes alongside Ottolenghi’s Rose, Pomegranate & Lemon Harissa as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, or add a sprinkle of the Citrus & Spice Blend to your grilled vegetables for a zesty kick. These additional flavours bring depth and variety to your BBQ, making it a memorable meal for all.

Shop Ottolenghi Ingredients with Fast Australia-Wide Delivery

The Gourmet Pantry offers free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $100, so you can easily stock up on Ottolenghi’s Shawarma Marinade and other signature ingredients to elevate your summer cooking. Order before 12pm on a weekday and your BBQ ingredients are dispatched the same day, tracked with Australia Post, so they can be at your door in time for the weekend.

The Ottolenghi Ingredients Range

The Ottolenghi Ingredients Gourmet Gift Hampers Range

Images courtesy of Ottolenghi.co.uk

This Christmas

The barbecue does a lot of the work on an Australian Christmas Day. These are the guides that go with it.

• The smokey honey marinade on the Christmas barbecue.
• Salads for Christmas lunch, and the dressings that carry them.
• Christmas lunch ideas for a hot Australian day.
• How long food can sit out in an Australian summer.

The rest of the season is in The Australian Christmas Guide.