Are you a grilling enthusiast looking for new and exciting ways to fire up your outdoor cooking adventures? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 flavorful skewers recipes that are sure to become your new go-to’s for your next backyard bash or family gathering. From classic combinations like garlic butter shrimp to more adventurous pairings like Korean beef bulgogi, there’s something on this list for everyone.
From savory meats to sweet and tangy veggies, these skewers are perfect for a summer cookout, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a special occasion. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! Simply thread your favorite ingredients onto skewers, brush with a little oil, and grill until perfectly charred.
In this article, we’ll be diving into each of these 20 delicious skewer recipes, exploring flavor combinations, cooking techniques, and tips for making them shine. So grab those skewers and let’s get started!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your seafood game with these flavorful and easy-to-make Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers, perfect for a quick dinner or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, lemon juice, and paprika until well combined.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure they’re all coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make and flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Skewer recipe. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, these skewers are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 10-12 wooden skewers
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. 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 skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot with additional teriyaki sauce for dipping, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Beef and Vegetable Skewers
Elevate your BBQ game with this flavorful and colorful recipe that combines tender beef with crunchy vegetables, all wrapped up in a spicy kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, 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 garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add beef cubes and toss to coat.
3. Thread beef, bell peppers, onion, and garlic onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side or until beef reaches desired doneness.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Soy Glazed Pork Skewers
A sweet and savory twist on traditional pork skewers, this recipe combines the flavors of honey and soy sauce with a hint of Asian-inspired spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Thread pork pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over the pork, making sure each piece is coated.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until pork reaches internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Herb Lamb Skewers
A bright and citrusy twist on traditional lamb skewers, these bite-sized morsels are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a colorful addition to your next outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb cubes (leg or shoulder)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and parsley.
3. Add lamb cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Thread marinated lamb onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until lamb reaches desired level of doneness.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Mediterranean Halloumi Skewers
Mediterranean Halloumi Skewers: A flavorful and visually appealing appetizer or snack that combines the creamy cheese with juicy vegetables and herbs, all wrapped up in a colorful skewer.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread a piece of halloumi, a cherry tomato half, an olive, and a few mint and parsley leaves onto each skewer.
3. Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the cheese is golden brown and slightly charred.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional chicken skewers, these BBQ pineapple chicken skewers are perfect for your next backyard gathering or quick weeknight dinner. With the smoky flavor of BBQ sauce and the sweetness of caramelized pineapple, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green), cut into large chunks
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chicken, bell peppers, pineapple, BBQ sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread chicken and vegetable mixture onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve warm with additional BBQ sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Thai Peanut Tofu Skewers
These skewers combine the creamy richness of peanut sauce with the tender crunch of marinated tofu, all wrapped up in a colorful and easy-to-eat package.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 20 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth.
3. Marinate tofu cubes in the peanut sauce for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread tofu and fresh cilantro leaves onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tofu is golden brown.
6. Serve hot with additional peanut sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Jerk Spiced Chicken Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these flavorful and aromatic jerk spiced chicken skewers, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, olive oil, garlic, and pineapple juice.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread the marinated chicken onto the bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Moroccan Spiced Lamb Skewers
Moroccan Spiced Lamb Skewers: A flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional lamb skewers, infused with the warm spices of North Africa.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 4-6 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, ras el hanout, and honey until well combined.
3. Add lamb cubes to the marinade and mix until coated.
4. Thread lamb onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Place skewers on grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until lamb is cooked through.
6. Brush with lemon juice during the last minute of cooking.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Greek Chicken and Olive Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these flavorful skewers, featuring juicy chicken, savory olives, and a hint of Greek charm. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and 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, garlic, and oregano. Add chicken and toss to coat.
3. Thread chicken, olives, and feta onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Maple Glazed Salmon Skewers
Elevate your salmon game with these sweet and savory skewers, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender salmon, crunchy maple glaze, and smoky flavors is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and smoked paprika.
3. Thread salmon pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the glaze mixture evenly over the salmon.
5. Cook skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skewers
Get ready for a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional shrimp skewers with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and crunchy vegetables in one mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 chicken sausages, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread shrimp, sausage, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper onto skewers.
3. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning and olive oil.
4. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the skewers.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Korean Beef Bulgogi Skewers
A twist on traditional Korean BBQ, these skewers bring the bold flavors of bulgogi to a fun and easy-to-eat format. Perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (such as ribeye or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper.
2. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated beef onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until beef is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Citrus Marinated Scallop Skewers
Add a burst of citrus flavor to your next outdoor gathering or weeknight dinner with these easy-to-make Citrus Marinated Scallop Skewers. With a balance of sweet and tangy, these bite-sized treats are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large scallops
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
– Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add scallops and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread 4-5 scallops onto each skewer.
5. Brush with remaining marinade and season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes total
Balsamic Glazed Vegetable Skewers
Balsamic Glazed Vegetable Skewers
Elevate your vegetable game with this sweet and tangy recipe! These colorful skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions, mushrooms)
– 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Thread vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze mixture evenly over the vegetables on the skewers.
5. Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Chili Chicken Skewers
Sweet Chili Chicken Skewers: A delicious and spicy twist on traditional chicken skewers!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, olive oil, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Garlic Rosemary Steak Skewers
Elevate your steak game with these garlic rosemary skewers, perfect for a quick and impressive dinner. The combination of tender steak, pungent garlic, and fragrant rosemary will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 10 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, and chopped rosemary.
3. Add steak cubes to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade.
4. Thread 3-4 steak cubes onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until steak reaches desired doneness.
7. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Tomato Skewers
A flavorful and colorful twist on traditional kebabs, these Pesto Chicken and Tomato Skewers are perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, and tangy pesto is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons pesto
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pesto and olive oil.
3. Add chicken and toss to coat.
4. Thread chicken, tomatoes, and any desired lemon wedges onto skewers.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Curried Coconut Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your appetizer game with these succulent Curried Coconut Shrimp Skewers. A harmonious blend of warm spices, creamy coconut, and tender shrimp will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together coconut, curry powder, garlic, and ginger.
3. Thread shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the coconut mixture evenly over the shrimp.
5. Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill with these 20 flavorful skewer recipes! From savory shrimp and succulent lamb, to spicy beef and sweet pineapple, there’s something for every taste. Try Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers or Teriyaki Chicken Skewers for a classic twist. Spice things up with Spicy Beef and Vegetable Skewers or Jerk Spiced Chicken Skewers. Or, go international with Mediterranean Halloumi Skewers, Thai Peanut Tofu Skewers, or Korean Beef Bulgogi Skewers. With such a diverse range of recipes, you’ll never get bored with your grilling routine again!
