20 Grilled Skewer Recipes to Get You Ready for Barbecue Season
It’s *finally* that time. We’re consistently feeling the sun on our skin, the stores are full of brightly colored fashions and the neighbors are already grilling. Ready to jump on the outdoor-cooking bandwagon? There’s no better grill-ready meal than kabob recipes full of your favorite meats and veggies. They can even be made in advance and left to marinate while you’re at work or sleeping. That makes for a quick and intensely flavorful meal that basically cooks itself, which is a welcome convenience at the end of a long day. Sure, one-pot spring dinner recipes are great, but is there anything better than food on a stick? Stock up on charcoal, because these 20 recipes will take you through all of your spring and summer barbecues.
1. Rainbow Salmon Skewers: Skewers are great for making a little salmon go a long way, which is perfect since it’s not exactly cheap. You could also use another thick cut of fish like tuna or halibut, if you already have that on hand. (via The View from Great Island)
2. 3-Ingredient Chicken Pineapple Skewers: Adding pineapple to your skewers just screams summer. Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce and top with sesame seeds for an oriental flair that rivals your fave takeout joint. (via Brit + Co)
3. Vegetarian Yogurt and Sesame Kebabs: These kebabs may look like chicken on a stick, but they’re actually a combination of spices, Greek yogurt and chickpea flour. They make a great appetizer, especially with a grilled vegetarian feast. (via My Friday Food Swings)
4. Turkish Style Chicken Skewers: Vibrant lemon, garlic, tomato and yogurt team up in a delicious marinade that’s slathered all over cubes of chicken. They’re then skewered with lemon slices for an extra tang and sprinkled with sumac spice before grilling. If you’re up for a major flavor explosion, this is your dish. (via Two Purple Figs)
5. Cilantro-Lime Pork Belly Skewers: If you’ve never tried cooking with pork belly, now’s the chance to get your feet wet. The zest of lime and cilantro cuts the richness of the pork belly just enough so that it doesn’t taste too heavy. Layer the skewer with seasonal squash and onion to round out the dish. (via Pork and Greens)
6. Asian Pepper Steak Kabobs: If you’re a fan of traditional pepper steak, you’re going to adore these kabobs. The deep, smokey flavor from charring them on the grill is simply mouthwatering. (via Gimme Some Oven)
7. Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers With Blueberry Glaze: Who says you can’t grill your dessert? Pound cake is perfect to use in this recipe because its density holds up well on the grill. You should probably serve them with a side of vanilla bean ice cream… (via Handle the Heat)
8. Moroccan Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers: This chicken is anything but bland. With spices like cinnamon, cayenne and paprika paired with lemon, cilantro and fresh ginger, you know you’re in for tons of flavor. Layer on artichoke hearts and asparagus for a skewer that you could certainly entertain with. (via A Pinch of Thyme)
9. Sriracha Peach Shrimp Skewers: Sweet and *slightly* spicy, these grilled shrimp will knock your socks off in the best way possible. Try threading the shrimp with two skewers so they don’t roll around when flipping. (via Blackberry Babe)
10. Sticky Miso Grilled Veggie Skewers: Maybe you’re making your main dish inside, but you still want to fire up the grill. Have a helper keep an eye on the oven, and you can hang out on the patio with these veggies. They’re great as a side dish or as a vegan main. (via Happy Hearted Kitchen)
11. Lemongrass Pork Skewers With Peas and Rice Noodle Salad: If you’ve been wanting to experiment with lemongrass, this is a great recipe to try. Once the marinated pork hits the hot grill, the smell will be heavenly. (via Sidewalk Shoes)
12. Grilled Mushroom Sirloin Skewers With Rosemary Shallot Marinade: These skewers would be *perfect* for a date night in. Make a pile of creamy mashed potatoes and a silky chocolate dessert to go along with it, and prepare to woo your boo. (via Delightful E Made)
13. Easy Tequila Lime Chicken Kabobs: Anything with tequila and lime in the title has to be a winner. Grill these up to eat à la carte or for a zesty filling for taco night. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them for at least 30 minutes before threading so they don’t burn on the grill. (via Gimme Some Oven)
14. Habanero Peach Pineapple Glazed Chicken Skewers: You can’t go wrong with a glaze made from peach and pineapple preserves. Fresh peaches and pineapple on the skewer carry the sweet flavor throughout the whole dish, but the kick from the habanero balances everything out. (via My Invisible Crown)
15. Sticky Honey Buffalo Chicken Fajita Kebabs: Bring fajita night outdoors with this tantalizing take on a weeknight favorite. Honey and hot sauce bring a sweet heat to the concoction. (via Carlsbad Cravings)
16. Coconut Encrusted Pineapple and Fish Kebabs With Mango Salsa: If your schedule isn’t allowing for a vacation right now, these kebabs will take you on a little flavor trip that’s just as good as a Caribbean cruise. Close your eyes and let the tropical flavors transport you ASAP. (via Recipes from a Pantry)
17. Beef, Fig and Red Onion Balsamic Skewers: Talk about a fancy meal. When buying your figs, look for firmer ones, as they’ll stand up better to grilling. *If* you have leftovers, try tossing them in a salad with balsamic vinaigrette and blue cheese crumbles. (via Every Last Bite)
18. Coconut-Harissa Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Harissa is so the new sriracha. If you’re not familiar with it and you like spicy food, you definitely need to check it out. It pairs perfectly with the coconut and has a deepened flavor when grilled. This dish is done in five minutes flat, so plan the rest of your meal accordingly. (via Floating Kitchen)
19. Halloumi Veggie Skewers: Halloumi is a magical cheese that doesn’t melt when grilled or fried, meaning it’s the perfect addition to a skewer. Brush with lemon, olive oil and herbs for a light and fresh veggie dish that goes great over pasta or brown rice. (via Last Ingredient)
20. Balsamic Chicken Skewers With Israeli Couscous: Marinating your chicken for just 15 minutes will infuse the meat with flavor, without compromising the texture. The same sauce is poured over the dish at the end for another layer of deep balsamic tang. (via A Spicy Perspective)
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