Get ready to fire up your grill and skewer some flavor! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, shish kabobs are a great way to feed a crowd with minimal fuss. And when you add in a variety of bold flavors and international twists, the possibilities become endless.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world with 20 mouthwatering shish kabob recipes that showcase the best of beef, chicken, lamb, pork, tofu, shrimp, duck, turkey, and even halloumi. From Mediterranean-style lamb to Asian-inspired duck, each recipe is carefully crafted to highlight the unique flavors and textures of its featured protein.
So why wait? Let’s get started with some sizzling shish kabob inspiration!
Beef and Vegetable Shish Kabobs with Garlic Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful recipe that combines tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory garlic marinade. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef cubes (such as sirloin or ribeye)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the beef cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread beef and vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until beef reaches desired doneness.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Herb Chicken Shish Kabobs
Lemon Herb Chicken Shish Kabobs: A refreshing twist on traditional shish kabobs, this recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the warmth of herbs to create a flavorful and moist chicken dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Spicy Lamb Shish Kabobs with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Spicy Lamb Shish Kabobs with Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with these flavorful and aromatic shish kabobs, infused with the warmth of cumin, coriander, and chili flakes. Pair them with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Mint Yogurt Sauce (recipe below)
Mint Yogurt Sauce:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes. Add lamb cubes and toss to coat.
3. Thread lamb onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until lamb reaches desired level of doneness.
5. Serve with Mint Yogurt Sauce.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Teriyaki Salmon Shish Kabobs with Pineapple
Teriyaki Salmon Shish Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe Summary:
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory teriyaki salmon skewers recipe, featuring juicy pineapple chunks for a pop of tropical flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce and 1 tablespoon water.
3. Thread salmon, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush teriyaki mixture evenly onto both sides of the skewers.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until salmon is cooked through.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Mediterranean Shrimp Shish Kabobs with Feta
This flavorful recipe combines succulent shrimp, juicy vegetables, and crumbly feta cheese on skewers, perfect for a quick and impressive dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread shrimp, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Pork Shish Kabobs with Bell Peppers
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of BBQ pork paired with crunchy bell peppers in this easy-to-make shish kabob recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together pork cubes, onion pieces, bell pepper pieces, BBQ sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Thread about 5-6 pieces of the mixture onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Moroccan Spiced Beef Shish Kabobs
Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with these tender and aromatic beef shish kabobs, infused with a blend of warming spices. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
3. Add the beef cubes and toss to coat with the spice mixture. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Thread 4-5 beef cubes onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Honey Soy Tofu Shish Kabobs with Zucchini
Elevate your BBQ game with these easy-to-make shish kabobs, featuring crispy tofu and tender zucchini smothered in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread tofu, zucchini, and any other desired vegetables onto skewers.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and olive oil. Brush the glaze evenly onto both sides of the tofu and zucchini.
4. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tofu is golden brown and zucchini is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional honey if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Greek Style Lamb Shish Kabobs with Tzatziki
Experience the bold flavors of Greece with this classic recipe, featuring tender lamb skewers served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients:
For the lamb skewers:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the tzatziki sauce:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the lamb cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Thread lamb onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill or broil the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine cucumber, yogurt, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in lemon juice.
6. Serve lamb skewers with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jerk Chicken Shish Kabobs with Mango Salsa
Experience the bold flavors of the Caribbean with these vibrant skewers and sweet salsa. Perfect for a summer gathering or backyard BBQ, this recipe combines juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and spicy jerk seasoning.
Ingredients:
For the Jerk Chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture evenly onto the chicken.
3. Thread chicken, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms onto skewers.
4. Grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and honey in a bowl. Stir to combine.
6. Serve kabobs with mango salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Scallop Shish Kabobs
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these succulent garlic butter scallop shish kabobs, perfect for a summer BBQ or dinner party. With a flavorful combination of tender scallops, savory garlic butter, and char-grilled vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 12 large sea scallops
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Thread scallops, bell peppers, onion, and garlic butter mixture onto skewers.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until scallops are cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Curry Spiced Chicken Shish Kabobs with Coconut Rice
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this flavorful and aromatic recipe, combining the richness of curry spices with the creaminess of coconut rice.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Shish Kabobs:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coconut Rice:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread marinated chicken, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms onto skewers.
4. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook coconut rice according to package instructions.
6. Serve grilled kabobs with warm coconut rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Steak Shish Kabobs
Elevate your grilling game with these tender and flavorful steak shish kabobs, smothered in a rich balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound flank steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread steak, bell peppers, onion, and garlic onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze and olive oil.
4. Brush the glaze mixture evenly over the kabobs.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until steak reaches desired level of doneness.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Pesto Chicken Shish Kabobs with Cherry Tomatoes
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this flavorful and colorful skewer recipe. Pesto chicken, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese come together to create a taste sensation that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8-10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– 1 ball of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pesto sauce and chicken pieces until well coated.
3. Thread chicken, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Spicy Halloumi and Veggie Shish Kabobs
Elevate your BBQ game with these flavorful shish kabobs, featuring spicy halloumi cheese paired with colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of halloumi cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, etc.)
– Wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut the halloumi cheese into 1-inch cubes and add to the marinade mixture. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread vegetables and marinated halloumi cheese onto wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until halloumi is melted and slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cajun Shrimp Shish Kabobs with Andouille Sausage
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, and colorful vegetables. Perfect for a quick dinner or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 Andouille sausage, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into large pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into large pieces
– 1 onion, cut into wedges
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. Thread shrimp, sausage, bell peppers, onion, and garlic onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Asian Glazed Duck Shish Kabobs
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with these sweet and savory duck shish kabobs, smothered in a rich Asian-inspired glaze. Perfect for a summer evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless duck breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and vegetable oil. Add garlic and ginger; stir until combined.
3. Thread duck cubes onto prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush glaze mixture evenly over the duck, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes total.
Herbed Turkey Shish Kabobs with Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these flavorful and easy-to-make Herbed Turkey Shish Kabobs, perfectly paired with a sweet and tangy Cranberry Sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Cranberry Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add turkey pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread marinated turkey onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve with Cranberry Sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Maple Dijon Pork Shish Kabobs with Apples
Elevate your grilling game with this sweet and savory recipe, featuring tender pork, crunchy apples, and a tangy Maple Dijon glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2-3 apples (Granny Smith or Gala), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
3. Thread pork and apple pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the Maple Dijon glaze evenly over the pork and apples.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until pork reaches internal temperature of 145°F.
7. Let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Garlic Rosemary Lamb Shish Kabobs with Potatoes
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these flavorful lamb shish kabobs, infused with the savory aroma of garlic and rosemary, paired with crispy potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb cubes (leg or shoulder)
– 4-6 bamboo skewers
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. Thread lamb cubes, garlic, and rosemary onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Place potatoes on a separate skewer or baking sheet.
4. Brush both the kabobs and potatoes with olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill or broil for 8-10 minutes per side, or until lamb reaches desired doneness and potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in a world of flavors with these 20 delicious shish kabob recipes! From classic beef and vegetable skewers to more adventurous options like teriyaki salmon and spicy lamb, there’s something for everyone. Try pairing garlic butter scallops with zucchini or Moroccan-spiced beef with tzatziki sauce. For seafood lovers, jerk chicken with mango salsa and Cajun shrimp with Andouille sausage are must-tries. Whether you’re in the mood for something simple and savory or bold and international-inspired, these recipes have got you covered.