Are you looking for a fun and easy way to impress your friends and family with delicious food? Look no further than skewer recipes! Skewers are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a fancy dinner party. And the best part is that they’re incredibly versatile – you can use them to make everything from savory meats and vegetables to sweet fruit and dessert.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 17 different skewer recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic combinations like garlic butter shrimp and teriyaki chicken, to more adventurous options like spicy beef kebabs with peppers and Mediterranean vegetable skewers, there’s something for everyone. So grab your skewers and let’s get cooking!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your seafood game with this simple and flavorful recipe. Garlic butter shrimp skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup garlic butter (see below)
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Recipe:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the shrimp.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until pink and cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
Experience the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with these easy-to-make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, perfectly paired with juicy pineapple chunks.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
– 10 bamboo skewers
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce and soy sauce (if using).
3. Add chicken pieces to the bowl and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Thread chicken and pineapple chunks onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush both sides of the skewers with vegetable oil.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Beef Kebabs with Peppers
Add some heat to your outdoor gatherings with these bold and flavorful kebabs, featuring spicy beef, crunchy peppers, and a hint of smokiness.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the beef strips 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, onion, and peppers onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until beef reaches desired doneness.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Halloumi and Veggie Skewers
A flavorful and colorful twist on traditional kebabs, these grilled skewers combine the salty sweetness of halloumi cheese with a medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 zucchinis, cut into 1-inch slices
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread a piece of halloumi, followed by a vegetable piece (bell pepper, onion, garlic, or zucchini), onto each skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until halloumi is golden brown and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Honey Sriracha Glazed Pork Skewers
Elevate your grilling game with these Honey Sriracha Glazed Pork Skewers, a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Perfect for a summer barbecue or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and olive oil. Add garlic, salt, and pepper; stir until combined.
3. Thread pork cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush glaze all over the pork, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until pork reaches internal temperature of 145°F.
6. Let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Herb Salmon Skewers
Brighten up your dinner table with these flavorful and colorful skewers. Fresh salmon, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs come together to create a dish that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread salmon pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the lemon-herb mixture evenly over the salmon.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Greek Lamb Skewers with Tzatziki
Experience the bold flavors of Greece with these tender lamb skewers served with a refreshing dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound 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
– 4 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano. Add lamb cubes and season with salt and pepper. Thread lamb onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until lamb reaches desired level of doneness.
4. Serve immediately with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
BBQ Chicken and Bacon Skewers
Get ready for a flavorful twist on traditional BBQ chicken with the added smoky goodness of crispy bacon! These easy-to-make skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut in half
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons 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. Thread chicken, bacon, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush the tops with olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
4. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Skewers
Savor the bold flavors of Vietnam with these aromatic pork skewers infused with lemongrass and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cumin.
3. Add pork pieces to the marinade; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread marinated pork onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Grill or broil for 8-10 minutes per side, or until pork is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Mediterranean Vegetable Skewers
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional kebabs, these Mediterranean vegetable skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions, mushrooms)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler.
2. Thread vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
4. Brush the mixture evenly over the vegetable skewers.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill or broil for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers
A flavorful and vibrant twist on traditional skewers, these Thai-inspired treats combine juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy peanut sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
– 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add chicken and mix until coated.
3. Alternate threading chicken, vegetables, and peanut sauce onto skewers.
4. Brush with additional peanut sauce during last minute of cooking.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Jerk Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mango
Add a Caribbean twist to your grilling routine with these flavorful skewers, infused with the bold spices of jerk seasoning and sweet mango chunks.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, honey, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread chicken, mango chunks, and any remaining marinade onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as rice and beans or roasted vegetables.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Herbed Turkey and Cranberry Skewers
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional skewers, these Herbed Turkey and Cranberry Skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless turkey breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Add turkey cubes to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Thread turkey onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush cranberry sauce over the turkey.
6. Place skewers on grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Mushroom Skewers
Elevate your appetizer game with these sweet and savory mushroom skewers, perfectly glazed with a rich balsamic reduction.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), stems removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, honey, and balsamic vinegar.
3. Thread mushrooms onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the mushroom mixture with the glaze, making sure all pieces are coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until mushrooms are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Mustard Sausage Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these sweet and savory skewers, perfect for a quick and easy snack or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sausage (such as Italian-style or Chorizo), casings removed
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or your favorite vegetables
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and mustard until well combined.
3. Cut sausage into 1-inch pieces and thread onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush sausage with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until sausage is cooked through.
6. During the last minute of grilling, brush sausage with maple-mustard mixture.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Coconut Lime Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your summer gatherings with these flavorful and refreshing shrimp skewers, infused with the tropical notes of coconut and lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread 3-4 shrimp onto each skewer.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Rosemary Garlic Steak Skewers
Transform your next BBQ or dinner party with these flavorful and aromatic skewers, perfect for any steak lover.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef steak (such as flank steak or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Add steak cubes and toss to coat.
3. Thread 4-5 pieces of steak onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until steak reaches desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill and skewer up some flavor with these 17 delicious recipes for every occasion! From seafood to meat, veggies to desserts, there’s something for everyone. Try garlic butter shrimp skewers, teriyaki chicken skewers with pineapple, or spicy beef kebabs with peppers. Or go sweet with coconut lime shrimp skewers and maple mustard sausage skewers. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive party dish, these recipes are sure to please. So grab your skewers and let the grilling begin!