Grilling season is the perfect time to elevate your outdoor cooking game, and skewers are a fantastic way to do it.
Versatile, customizable, and easy to prepare, skewers allow you to combine vibrant flavors, colors, and textures in one delicious bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a casual weeknight dinner, or looking to impress at a summer gathering, these 12 must-try skewer recipes will bring excitement to your grill. From savory meats to fresh vegetables and even sweet desserts, there’s something here for every palate.
1. Classic Beef Kebabs
Beef kebabs are a timeless grilling staple, combining tender, juicy meat with colorful vegetables. The key to success is a flavorful marinade and proper grilling technique.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, black pepper, and oregano.
- Add beef cubes to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Thread beef, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until beef reaches desired doneness.
- Serve with rice or pita bread.
Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
These zesty shrimp skewers are light, refreshing, and perfect for seafood lovers. The lemon-garlic marinade adds a bright, tangy flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill to medium heat (350°F).
- Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Serve with lemon wedges and a side salad.
Tip: Don’t overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the grill too long.
3. Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine, chicken satay skewers are smoky, savory, and paired with a creamy peanut dipping sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili paste
Instructions:
- Mix coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, brown sugar, and turmeric. Add chicken and marinate for 1 hour.
- For the sauce, whisk peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili paste until smooth. Set aside.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
- Serve with peanut sauce and jasmine rice.
Tip: Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro for extra flavor.
4. Veggie Rainbow Skewers
These vibrant vegetable skewers are a healthy, colorful addition to any grill session, perfect for vegetarians or as a side dish.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Toss vegetables in the marinade.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Thread vegetables onto skewers in a colorful pattern.
- Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
- Serve as a side or with hummus.
Tip: Use metal skewers for easier handling with delicate veggies.
5. Teriyaki Pork Skewers
Sweet and savory teriyaki pork skewers are a crowd-pleaser, with pineapple adding a tropical twist.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for the marinade.
- Add pork cubes and marinate for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread pork and pineapple onto skewers.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until pork is cooked through.
- Serve with steamed rice.
Tip: Brush with extra marinade during grilling for a glossy finish.
6. Mediterranean Lamb Skewers
These lamb skewers are infused with Mediterranean herbs and spices, delivering bold, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, oregano, garlic, paprika, and salt.
- Add lamb and marinate for 2-4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread lamb onto skewers.
- Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until medium-rare or desired doneness.
- Serve with tzatziki and pita.
Tip: Let lamb rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
7. Spicy Chorizo and Potato Skewers
For a hearty, smoky option, these chorizo and potato skewers pack a punch with bold flavors.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb chorizo sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb baby potatoes, parboiled
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Toss chorizo, potatoes, and bell pepper with olive oil, paprika, cayenne, and salt.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Thread ingredients onto skewers.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until potatoes are tender and chorizo is crispy.
- Serve with aioli or sour cream.
Tip: Parboil potatoes until just fork-tender to ensure even cooking.
8. Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers
These sweet-and-spicy chicken skewers are a perfect balance of flavors, with a sticky glaze that caramelizes on the grill.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix honey, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder.
- Add chicken and marinate for 1 hour.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning and basting with marinade, until cooked through.
- Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.
Tip: Reserve some marinade for basting, but discard any that touched raw chicken.
9. Grilled Tofu Skewers
A vegan-friendly option, these tofu skewers are marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
Instructions:
- Combine BBQ sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, and paprika.
- Add tofu and marinate for 1 hour.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Thread tofu, onion, and bell pepper onto skewers.
- Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tofu is golden.
- Serve with quinoa or a green salad.
Tip: Press tofu for 30 minutes to remove excess water for better texture.
10. Salmon and Asparagus Skewers
These elegant skewers combine omega-3-rich salmon with crisp asparagus for a healthy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt.
- Toss salmon and asparagus in the marinade.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Thread salmon and asparagus onto skewers.
- Grill for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until salmon is flaky.
- Serve with couscous.
Tip: Use two skewers per portion to prevent salmon from spinning.
11. Caprese Skewers
These no-cook skewers are a fresh, summery appetizer, perfect for grilling alongside heartier dishes.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready.
Tip: Fold large basil leaves in half for easier skewering.
12. Grilled Pineapple Dessert Skewers
End your barbecue on a sweet note with these caramelized pineapple skewers, perfect with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Toss pineapple chunks with brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Thread pineapple onto skewers.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until caramelized.
- Serve warm with ice cream.
Tip: Brush with extra butter during grilling for a richer flavor.
Final Tips for Skewer Success
- Mix and Match: Feel free to swap proteins, veggies, or marinades to suit your preferences.
- Grill Prep: Clean and oil your grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Even Cooking: Cut ingredients into uniform sizes for consistent cooking.
- Safety First: Always cook meats to safe internal temperatures (e.g., chicken to 165°F, beef to 145°F for medium-rare).
With these 12 skewer recipes, your grill is about to become the star of the show. Fire it up, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious results!
