How to clean your tandoori skewers

The Complete Guide to Using and Caring for Tandoori Skewers: Perfect Your Tandoori Cooking

Indian cuisine is full of flavors, spices, and history, and few cooking methods capture that better than tandoori cooking. From the smoky taste of tender tandoori chicken to the fluffy texture of freshly baked naan, the tandoori skewers play a vital role in achieving that delicious, unforgettable meal. You can cook a variety of foods inside a tandoor, from juicy meats like chicken and lamb to roasted vegetables and traditional bread.

The secret to great tandoori cooking isn’t just in the ingredients or the heat of the oven. The tools you use, especially the tandoori skewers, make a big difference. Choosing the right skewers and knowing how to care for them can transform your cooking experience. Here’s everything you need to know about picking the perfect tandoori skewers and keeping them in top shape.

What Are Tandoori Skewers and Why Do They Matter?

Tandoori skewers are long sticks used to hold food while it cooks inside a tandoor. The tandoor is a cylindrical clay oven that uses high heat to roast food quickly, giving it that distinct charred flavor. When you place meat, vegetables, or bread on the skewers, the food cooks evenly because of the heat circulating inside the tandoor.

The skewers come in different sizes, shapes, and materials. Each type serves a unique purpose, and the choice you make will affect how your food turns out. For example, using a thin skewer for large chunks of meat may cause uneven cooking, while a thick skewer might take longer to heat up and cook delicate foods. The right skewer ensures that your food cooks evenly and gets that tasty, smoky flavor.

The Different Types of Tandoori Skewers: Choosing the Right One

Selecting the best tandoori skewers depends on what you want to cook. Different foods need different skewers for the best results, so let’s break down the options.

1. Stainless Steel Tandoori Skewers

Stainless steel is one of the most common materials used for tandoori skewers. It’s durable, easy to clean, and heats up quickly, making it ideal for high-heat cooking. Stainless steel skewers come in various shapes:

 

• • Round Skewers: These are great for small pieces of vegetables or meat. They allow the heat to cook the food from all sides, ensuring even cooking.

• • Square Skewers: Square skewers are perfect for thicker meats like lamb or beef. The square shape helps hold the meat in place, preventing it from slipping while turning the skewer.

• • Flat Skewers: These are often used for ground meat, such as kebabs. The flat surface helps keep the meat steady, so it cooks evenly without falling apart.

Stainless steel skewers are available in different thicknesses, usually between 4mm to 8mm. Thicker skewers work well for large chunks of meat, while thinner skewers are better for delicate items like fish or small vegetables.

2. Bamboo Tandoori Skewers

Bamboo skewers add a natural touch to your cooking. Although they are not as heat-resistant as stainless steel, they are still good for grilling vegetables or light meats. If you decide to use bamboo skewers in a tandoor, you must soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps prevent the skewers from burning inside the high heat of the tandoor.

Pros of Bamboo Skewers:

 

• • Environmentally friendly and biodegradable

• • Adds a rustic presentation to your dish

• • Lightweight and easy to handle

However, bamboo skewers are not as durable as stainless steel. They can only be used a few times before they need to be replaced, especially when exposed to high heat.

3. Serrated Skewers for Large Cuts of Meat

When cooking larger cuts of meat, such as a whole chicken or big chunks of lamb, serrated skewers are a better choice. The serrations help keep the meat from slipping off, ensuring it stays in place while rotating the skewer. These skewers are also stronger, making them ideal for heavy-duty use in a tandoor oven.

4. Skewers for Naan Bread

The tandoor is not just for meat and vegetables. It’s also famous for baking naan, a soft and fluffy Indian bread. To bake naan in a tandoor, you need special skewers like hook or paddle skewers. These skewers help you stick the naan to the walls of the tandoor oven, where it puffs up and gets that crispy, golden-brown exterior.

How to Choose Tandoori Skewers Based on What You Want to Cook

Picking the right tandoori skewers depends on the type of food you want to make. Here are some tips to help you choose.

For Meat Dishes

When cooking meats like chicken, lamb, or beef, you’ll want thicker skewers that can handle the weight. For chicken tikka or lamb kebabs, 6mm to 8mm skewers are ideal. If you plan to cook large cuts, like a whole chicken, opt for flat or serrated skewers to keep the meat secure.

For Vegetables and Seafood

Seafood and vegetables cook faster than meat, so thinner skewers, usually around 3mm to 5mm, are best. Stainless steel skewers are good because they heat up quickly, allowing the vegetables or seafood to cook evenly without drying out.

For Ground Meat Kebabs

When making kebabs from ground meat like seekh kebabs, flat skewers work best. They provide a larger surface area, helping the meat cook evenly and keeping it from slipping off. Look for skewers with a width of about 1cm to hold the meat securely.

For Naan Bread

For baking naan in a tandoor, hook skewers are essential. They help you place the naan on the hot walls of the tandoor. Use paddle skewers to safely remove the naan once it’s done baking.

Caring for Your Tandoori Skewers: Keep Them Clean and Ready to Use

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your tandoori skewers ensure they last longer and remain safe to use. Here’s how to keep your skewers in top shape:

Cleaning Stainless Steel Skewers

Stainless steel skewers are easy to clean. After each use, wash them with warm, soapy water to remove food particles. Use a brush or sponge to scrub away any stuck-on bits. If you want to get them extra clean, place the skewers in a hot tandoor oven for 10-15 minutes. The heat will burn off any remaining residue, making them easier to wipe down.

You can also use aluminum foil or a skewer cleaning tool with bristles for deeper cleaning. Scrub gently to avoid damaging the skewer’s surface.

Cleaning Steel Skewers

Steel skewers may be harder to clean, especially if they develop rust. If you notice rust, scrub the skewers with aluminum foil and brush them with vegetable oil to loosen any debris. Heat them in the tandoor oven for about 10-15 minutes to help remove any buildup.

After cleaning, coat the skewers lightly with vegetable oil before storing them. This prevents rust and keeps them in good condition.

Cleaning Bamboo Skewers

Bamboo skewers need a different cleaning approach. Because they are made from natural material, avoid soaking them for too long to prevent weakening. If you want to reuse bamboo skewers, rinse them quickly with warm water and scrub gently. Dry them completely before storing.

Storage Tips for Tandoori Skewers

After cleaning your skewers, store them properly to maintain their quality.

 

• • Stainless Steel and Steel Skewers: Store these skewers in a dry, dust-free place. Wrap them in a cloth to prevent scratches or store them in a dedicated drawer.

• • Bamboo Skewers: Keep bamboo skewers in a resealable bag to protect them from moisture and dust. It’s best to store them in a dry area.

Whatever you do, avoid using wax or petroleum jelly to coat the skewers for storage. These substances are not food-safe.

Tips for Using Tandoori Skewers in a Tandoor Oven

Here are some helpful tips to get the best results with your tandoori skewers.

 

1. 1. Preheat the Tandoor Oven: Always preheat your tandoor before placing the skewers inside. This helps achieve an even cooking temperature.

1. 1. Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Give each piece of food some space on the skewer. This allows the heat to reach all sides and cook the food evenly.

1. 1. Rotate the Skewers Regularly: Rotate the skewers while cooking to ensure the food cooks from all sides. This is especially important for larger cuts of meat.

1. 1. Use Different Skewers for Different Foods: Avoid using the same skewer for meat and vegetables without cleaning it first. This prevents cross-contamination.

1. 1. Choose the Right Thickness: Match the skewer thickness to the type of food you’re cooking. Use thin skewers for vegetables and seafood, and thicker skewers for large pieces of meat.

Advantages of Tandoori Skewers in Cooking

Tandoori skewers do more than just hold the food in place. They also help bring out the best flavors from each ingredient. Here’s why using skewers enhances your cooking.

 

1. 1. Even Heat Distribution: The metal skewers heat up quickly, allowing the heat to penetrate the food evenly. This helps achieve that perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

1. 1. Smoky Flavor: The high heat of the tandoor oven chars the food, giving it a smoky taste that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods.

1. 1. Quick Cooking Time: Because the skewers conduct heat well, food cooks faster in a tandoor compared to other types of ovens.

1. 1. Versatile Use: You can use skewers for various foods, including meats, vegetables, seafood, and bread. The possibilities are endless.

1. 1. Easy to Handle: Skewers make it easy to flip, rotate, and move food around inside the oven. You don’t have to touch the hot food directly.

Tandoor Morni Tandoori Skewers: Quality You Can Trust

For those looking to elevate their tandoori cooking, Tandoor Morni offers a wide selection of tandoori skewers. Made from high-quality food-grade steel, these skewers come in different sizes and shapes, including round, square, and flat. They are ideal for various tandoori dishes, from chicken tikka to lamb kebabs and naan.

Why Choose Tandoor Morni Skewers?

 

• • Durable and Long-Lasting: Made from strong materials that withstand high heat.

• • Hygienic and Food-Safe: Comply with food safety standards.

• • Environmentally Friendly: Recyclable and reusable.

• • Cost-Effective: Built to last, saving you money in the long run.

Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, Tandoor Morni skewers can help you achieve restaurant-quality results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tandoori Skewers

Q: Can I use wooden skewers in a tandoor?
A: Yes, you can use wooden or bamboo skewers in a tandoor, but make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.

Q: How do I prevent food from sticking to the skewers?
A: Lightly oil the skewers before placing the food on them. This helps prevent sticking and makes the food easier to remove.

Q: Can I put my skewers in the dishwasher?
A: Stainless steel skewers can go in the dishwasher, but hand washing is recommended to keep them in the best condition. Bamboo skewers should not go in the dishwasher as it may damage them.

Q: What size of skewer should I use for large cuts of meat?
A: For large cuts like whole chicken or lamb, use skewers that are at least 8mm thick and serrated for better grip.

Q: Do I need special skewers for naan bread?
A: Yes, naan skewers like hook and paddle skewers work best for baking naan in a tandoor. They help place and remove the naan from the oven easily.

Elevate Your Tandoori Cooking with the Right Skewers

Tandoori cooking is an art, and using the right tools can make all the difference. The tandoori skewers you choose affect the flavor, texture, and overall outcome of your dish. Whether you are cooking meats, vegetables, or bread, there’s a skewer that’s perfect for the job.

So, invest in quality tandoori skewers, take care of them properly, and use them with confidence. Experiment with different skewer types, follow proper cleaning and storage practices, and soon you’ll master the art of tandoori cooking. With a little practice and the right tools, you’ll create delicious, flavorful meals that your family and friends will love.

Try Tandoor Morni’s range of tandoori skewers and experience authentic tandoori cooking like never before.

About Tandoor Morni

Tandoor Morni, in business since 1992, is a trusted name in premium Tandoori Clay Ovens, known for crafting high-quality traditional and commercial tandoors. With a commitment to excellence, Tandoor Morni offers a wide range of tandoors, including commercial, residential, catering, and copper models. Our tandoors are built with durable materials and designed for efficient heat distribution, ensuring authentic flavors and fast cooking. Each oven features customizable options like gas, wood fire, or charcoal compatibility, making them suitable for various cooking needs. For more information or to place an order, contact us at Phone Number: +1(727) 251 6924 or email us at info@tandoormorni.com. Visit our website at www.tandoormorni.com to explore our full range of products.