The Origin of Grilling Skewers

The Complete Guide to Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewers

When it comes to tandoori cooking, people often overlook one of the most important tools: the skewers. For those who use a tandoor oven, the skewers is not just an accessory—it’s an essential part of the cooking experience. Without it, dishes like kebabs, tikka, and grilled vegetables wouldn’t be possible. The right skewers make all the difference, ensuring that the food cooks evenly, stays on the skewer, and develops that irresistible charred flavor.

If you want to master tandoori cooking, understanding skewers is key. From the materials to the shapes and sizes, every aspect matters. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about stainless steel tandoor skewers and how they can elevate your cooking experience.

The History of Skewers in Tandoori Cooking

The use of skewers goes back thousands of years, even though we don’t have a lot of written records. In ancient India, people used tandoor ovens to cook their meals, and archaeologists have found old remnants of these ovens dating back hundreds of years. As tandoori cooking evolved, so did the tools, including skewers, which have gone through several transformations over the centuries.

Early Skewers: Twigs and Sticks

In the earliest days, skewers were just twigs or sticks cut from specific types of trees. People chose these sticks because their natural moisture helped prevent them from burning quickly in the high heat of the tandoor oven. These makeshift skewers were rough, which helped hold the food, whether it was meat, fish, or vegetables, in place. Because cooking in a tandoor oven is quick, the food would usually be ready before the stick dried out and burned.

The Arrival of Iron Skewers

The Iron Age brought big changes to cooking. In India, the development of iron tools led to the introduction of iron skewers for grilling. These skewers were much stronger than wooden sticks, allowing people to cook larger and heavier cuts of meat without worrying about the skewer breaking or burning.

The Rise of Metal Skewers

Over time, people began using metal skewers made from materials like mild steel. These became widely popular because they were affordable and easy to produce. Today, you’ll find mild steel skewers in markets all over the world, but their popularity is waning as more people are switching to stainless steel tandoor skewers.

The Modern Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewers

The most recent innovation in skewers is the use of stainless steel. It has quickly become the go-to choice for many professional chefs, restaurants, and home cooks. Stainless steel tandoor skewers are easy to maintain, hygienic, and long-lasting. They don’t rust and are less likely to react with acidic foods, making them a safer option compared to other metals. Plus, they don’t absorb flavors, so your food tastes exactly how it’s supposed to.

Why Choose Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewers?

There are many reasons why stainless steel tandoor skewers are the best choice for grilling in a tandoor oven. Let’s look at some of the key benefits:

1. Durability and Strength

Stainless steel is known for its strength and durability. It can withstand the intense heat of a tandoor oven without warping or bending. This makes it ideal for cooking large or heavy pieces of meat, such as whole chickens or large kebabs. Unlike wooden or bamboo skewers, stainless steel skewers can be reused for years with proper care.

2. Hygienic and Easy to Clean

Stainless steel tandoor skewers are much easier to clean than other types of skewers. They don’t absorb food juices or flavors, making them more hygienic. You can wash them with soap and water, and they will be ready for the next use. For an even deeper clean, you can scrub them with a steel wool pad.

3. Rust-Resistant

Unlike iron or regular steel skewers, stainless steel tandoor skewers don’t rust. This makes them a safer choice for cooking, as rust can affect the taste of the food and pose health risks. With stainless steel, you don’t have to worry about corrosion, even if you use the skewers regularly.

4. Heat Resistance

Stainless steel can handle high temperatures without breaking down. This means that stainless steel tandoor skewers will last longer and maintain their shape even after repeated use in a hot tandoor oven.

5. Suitable for Different Types of Food

Whether you’re cooking meat, seafood, or vegetables, stainless steel tandoor skewers work well with all kinds of foods. They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can choose the right skewer for your specific dish.

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewer

When selecting stainless steel tandoor skewers, it’s important to consider factors like shape, size, weight, and tip design. Each of these elements plays a role in how the food cooks and how easily you can handle the skewer.

The Tip: Sharp or Blunt?

The tip of the skewer affects how easily you can pierce the food and how securely it stays on. While sharp tips make it easy to pierce meat and vegetables, they can also get damaged or bent over time, especially when used with tougher cuts of meat. Blunt tips may not pierce food as easily, but they are more durable and less likely to get damaged.

Pro Tip: If you frequently cook tougher meats, consider using skewers with a blunt tip. If you usually grill softer foods like paneer or vegetables, a sharper tip will work better.

Skewer Shape: Round, Square, or Flat?

The shape of the skewer affects how the food cooks and how well it stays on the skewer. Here’s a breakdown of the different shapes and their uses:

• • Round Skewers: These are ideal for softer foods like paneer and vegetables. However, round skewers may not hold heavier meats as securely, as the food can sometimes rotate on the skewer.

• • Square Skewers: These provide a better grip on the food, making them suitable for meat, kebabs, and other heavier foods. The square shape prevents the food from spinning, ensuring even cooking.

• • Flat Skewers: These are great for large pieces of meat or fish. The flat surface holds the food firmly, preventing it from rotating.

Skewer Thickness: Thin or Thick?

The thickness of the skewer matters when it comes to how the heat travels through the food. Thinner skewers heat up quickly and are suitable for small items like mushrooms or shrimp. Thicker skewers take longer to heat but retain the heat longer, making them ideal for larger cuts of meat.

Consider these options:

• • Thin Skewers (3mm – 5mm): Ideal for small items like shrimp, mushrooms, or paneer.

• • Medium Skewers (6mm – 8mm): Suitable for chicken, lamb, and beef kebabs.

• • Thick Skewers (10mm or more): Perfect for whole chickens or large meat cuts.

How to Use Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewers for Best Results

To get the best out of your stainless steel tandoor skewers, follow these simple steps to ensure even cooking and safety.

1. Preheat Your Skewers

Before using the skewers, place them in the hot tandoor oven for a few minutes. This will help kill any bacteria and make the metal hot, which allows the food to cook more evenly.

2. Don’t Overload the Skewer

Avoid putting too much food on a single skewer. Leave some space between each piece of food. This will help the heat circulate around the food, ensuring it cooks evenly on all sides.

3. Use the Right Shape for the Right Food

Choose the shape of the skewer based on the food you are cooking. For instance, use flat skewers for large meat pieces to prevent spinning, and round skewers for vegetables.

4. Rotate the Skewers Regularly

To make sure the food cooks evenly, turn the skewers frequently. This helps all sides get that delicious charred flavor without burning.

5. Rest the Food Before Serving

After removing the skewers from the tandoor oven, let the food rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the dish more flavorful.

Maintaining Your Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewers

Proper maintenance will extend the life of your stainless steel tandoor skewers. Here’s how you can keep them in top shape:

Clean After Every Use

Always clean the skewers after using them. Wash them with soap and warm water to remove any food residue. Use a brush to scrub off any stuck-on bits.

Dry Thoroughly

Make sure the skewers are completely dry before storing them. Even though stainless steel is rust-resistant, keeping the skewers dry will prevent any moisture-related issues.

Store Properly

Store the skewers in a dry place. You can hang them on a skewer rack or keep them in a storage case. This prevents them from getting scratched or damaged.

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

When cleaning the skewers, stick to mild dish soap. Harsh chemicals can damage the stainless steel over time.

The Different Uses of Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewers

Stainless steel tandoor skewers are versatile tools that can be used for a wide range of dishes. Let’s explore the different ways you can use them.

1. Meat and Seafood

Skewers are perfect for grilling meat and seafood. The high heat of the tandoor oven sears the outside while locking in the juices, giving you a tender and flavorful dish. You can cook:

• • Chicken tikka

• • Lamb kebabs

• • Fish skewers

• • Shrimp skewers

2. Vegetarian Delights

Vegetarian options like paneer tikka, grilled mushrooms, or charred vegetables taste amazing when cooked on skewers. The smoky flavor from the tandoor oven enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.

3. Naan and Flatbreads

Did you know you can also use skewers to cook naan in a tandoor oven? Naan skewers are specially designed with a hook or paddle end to stick the dough to the oven’s walls.

Using Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewers at Home

You don’t have to be a professional chef to use stainless steel tandoor skewers. They are great for home use, especially if you enjoy barbecues or have a tandoor oven in your backyard. Here are some tips for home cooks:

1. Choose the Right Skewers

For home cooking, medium-sized skewers (6mm-8mm thick) are ideal for grilling various foods. They offer versatility and can handle most items, from vegetables to meat.

2. Safety First

Always use oven gloves or a cloth to handle the skewers, as they will get very hot. Make sure to use long skewers to keep your hands safe from the heat.

3. Experiment with Marinades

Marinating your food adds flavor and keeps it moist. Try different marinades for meats and vegetables to find your favorite combinations.

Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewers for Restaurants and Catering

In commercial kitchens, stainless steel tandoor skewers are a must-have. They are durable, easy to clean, and can handle the high volume of cooking typical in restaurants. Here are some benefits:

1. Fast Cooking

The high heat of the tandoor oven allows chefs to cook large amounts of food quickly, making it ideal for busy restaurants.

2. Versatile Uses

Chefs can use the same set of skewers to cook different dishes throughout the day, from appetizers to main courses.

3. Professional Presentation

Stainless steel skewers offer a sleek and professional look, which is perfect for plating and presentation in upscale restaurants.

The Tandoor Morni Difference: Quality Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewers

Tandoor Morni offers high-quality stainless steel tandoor skewers that cater to both professional chefs and home cooks. Our skewers come in different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses to meet all your cooking needs. Whether you’re grilling chicken, making naan, or experimenting with vegetarian dishes, we have the perfect skewer for you.

The Bottom Line: Why Stainless Steel Tandoor Skewers Are Essential

Stainless steel tandoor skewers are more than just cooking tools; they are essential for achieving the authentic tandoori flavor. Their durability, ease of cleaning, and versatility make them the best choice for any kitchen, whether at home or in a restaurant. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, offering countless delicious meals.

Start experimenting with different types of skewers and dishes to bring the flavors of tandoori cooking into your home. Whether you’re preparing a feast for a special occasion or just a quick weeknight meal, stainless steel tandoor skewers will make your cooking experience easier and tastier.

Need Help? Order and Technical Support

Have questions or ready to place an order? Reach out to us via phone at +1(727) 251 6924 or email us at info@tandoormorni.com.
Need detailed instructions? Explore the Operation Manual for our CH & CS models to get started with your Tandoor oven today.

 

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.