Kabobs, also known as skewers, are a beloved staple of outdoor cooking, because they offer endless possibilities for flavor combinations and creative presentations. From juicy meats to vibrant vegetables, kabobs are versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for grilling enthusiasts of all skill levels. Let’s explore five delicious kabob recipes, including one vegetarian option, guaranteed to impress your guests at your next backyard barbecue. These kabob recipes are great any time of year!
Classic Beef Kabobs with Chimichurri Marinade:
Tender chunks of beef are marinated in a zesty chimichurri sauce and then skewered with colorful bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Cut beef into bite-sized pieces and place in a shallow dish. Pour marinade over the beef, until it is completely covered . Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Thread marinated beef onto skewers, alternating with bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turn occasionally, and cook beef till desired temperature.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chimichurri sauce if desired.
Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs:
Tender chicken breast is marinated in a tangy lemon herb marinade and then skewered with zucchini, mushrooms, and red onions for a flavorful and colorful kabob experience.
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Cut chicken breast into cubes and place in a shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with zucchini slices, mushrooms, and red onions.
- Preheat grill to medium heat and grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, cook chicken till no pink in the middle, and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs with Sweet Chili Glaze:
Juicy shrimp and sweet pineapple are skewered and grilled to perfection, then brushed with a sticky sweet chili glaze for a delightful combination of flavors. One of our favorite kabob recipes for summer!
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional for added heat)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha sauce (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is heated through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Thread shrimp and pineapple chunks onto skewers.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill kabobs for 4-5 minutes per side, so the shrimp is pink and the pineapple is caramelized.
- Brush kabobs with sweet chili glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Teriyaki Tofu and Vegetable Kabobs:
Marinated tofu cubes are skewered with an assortment of colorful vegetables and grilled to perfection, then brushed with a tangy teriyaki glaze for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Cut tofu into cubes and place in a shallow dish. Pour marinade over tofu, until it is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Thread marinated tofu onto skewers, alternating with bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onions.
- Preheat grill to medium heat and grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tofu is lightly brown and vegetables are tender.
- Brush kabobs with teriyaki glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Spicy Sausage and Potato Kabobs:
Sliced spicy sausage skewered with baby potatoes, bell peppers, and onions, then grill to perfection for a hearty and satisfying kabob recipe.
Ingredients:
- Spicy sausage, sliced into rounds
- Baby potatoes, parboiled
- Bell peppers, cut into chunks
- Red onions, cut into chunks
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread sliced spicy sausage, parboiled baby potatoes, bell pepper chunks, and red onion chunks onto skewers, alternating as desired.
- Brush kabobs with olive oil and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turn occasionally, until sausage is brown and potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
In Conclusion these five flavorful kabob recipes offer something for everyone, whether you’re a meat lover, seafood fan, or vegetarian enthusiast. With vibrant marinades, fresh ingredients, and simple grilling techniques, these kabobs are sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering. So fire up the grill, skewer your favorites, and enjoy a delicious and memorable outdoor dining experience!