The sun is shining, the grill is hot, and it’s time to fire up your taste buds! When it comes to grilling, skewers are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, skewers offer a fun and easy way to cook up a storm of flavors. In this article, we’ll explore 20 flavorful skewers recipes that will take your grilling game to the next level.
From classic combinations like teriyaki chicken with pineapple to bold twists like spicy pork with honey glaze, these recipes are sure to delight. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory and umami or sweet and tangy, there’s a skewer recipe on this list that’s sure to hit the spot.
So, grab your grill tongs and let’s get started! In this article, we’ll dive into each of these 20 delicious skewers recipes, exploring the ingredients, cooking techniques, and tips for making them shine. From now until the end of the summer (and beyond!), these flavorful skewers are sure to be a staple in your grilling repertoire.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
Elevate your outdoor gatherings or weeknight dinners with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a rich teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add chicken and pineapple; toss to coat.
3. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, leaving a 1-inch space between each piece.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally.
5. Brush with additional teriyaki sauce during the last minute of grilling.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your next gathering with these flavorful garlic butter shrimp skewers, perfect for a quick and impressive start to any meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be serving up succulent shrimp in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 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, mix together butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Beef and Bell Pepper Skewers with Chimichurri
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful and colorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or outdoor gathering. Tender beef and bell peppers are paired with a tangy and herby Argentinean-inspired chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
– 1/4 cup chimichurri sauce (see below for recipe)
– 10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Chimichurri Sauce:
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems
– 1 cup fresh oregano leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread beef and bell peppers onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush chimichurri sauce evenly over both sides of the skewers.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until beef reaches desired doneness.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mediterranean Lamb Skewers with Tzatziki
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with these tender lamb skewers, perfectly balanced by a refreshing tzatziki sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and impressive outdoor gathering or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
For the skewers:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the tzatziki:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine tzatziki ingredients in a bowl.
6. Serve lamb skewers with tzatziki sauce and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Pork Skewers with Honey Glaze
Spicy Pork Skewers with Honey Glaze: Sweet and Savory Fusion
Transform your backyard BBQs or potlucks with these mouthwatering Spicy Pork Skewers, elevated by a sticky honey glaze. Perfect for adventurous eaters, this recipe combines the bold flavors of Korean chili flakes with the sweetness of honey, creating an unforgettable flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork tenderloin or shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 cup honey
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Add pork pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Thread marinated pork onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush with honey during last minute of grilling (about 5-7 minutes per side). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Vegetable Skewers with Balsamic Marinade
A flavorful and colorful twist on traditional vegetable skewers, this recipe combines tender vegetables with a tangy balsamic marinade for a perfect summer side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 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, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and honey.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Thread the marinated vegetables onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Herb Salmon Skewers
These succulent salmon skewers are infused with the brightness of lemon, the earthiness of herbs, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add salmon pieces to the marinade; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread marinated salmon onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers
Elevate your outdoor cooking with these mouthwatering Thai-inspired chicken skewers, featuring a creamy peanut sauce and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 large bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Thread chicken, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the peanut sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally.
6. Serve hot with additional peanut sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
BBQ Beef Skewers with Onion Rings
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these mouth-watering BBQ beef skewers paired with crispy onion rings. Perfect for a summer cookout or backyard bash, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large onion, sliced into rings
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture evenly onto the beef cubes.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Meanwhile, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry onion rings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
6. Serve skewers with hot onion rings and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek Chicken Skewers with Feta and Olives
This recipe brings together the classic flavors of Greece – juicy chicken, tangy feta, and briny olives – all wrapped up in a colorful skewer. Perfect for a quick dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, feta, olives, lemon juice, and oregano.
3. Add chicken and toss to coat.
4. Thread chicken, onion, and bell pepper onto skewers.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill or broil for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skewers
Looking for a flavorful and colorful appetizer or main course? Look no further! These Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skewers combine succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, and bold seasonings in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 pound smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning blend
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 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 large bowl, whisk together Cajun seasoning blend, olive oil, lemon juice, and paprika.
3. Add shrimp and sausage to the marinade; toss to coat.
4. Thread shrimp and sausage onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and sausage is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Dip
Experience the flavors of India with these aromatic Tandoori Chicken Skewers, served with a refreshing yogurt dip. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons garam masala powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Yogurt Dip (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garam masala powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill or bake for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
Yogurt Dip:
– Mix together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder.
– Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Beef Skewers with Gochujang Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with these sweet and spicy beef skewers, marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and gochujang.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 10 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, brown sugar, Gochujang, and garlic.
3. Add beef pieces to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread marinated beef onto skewers.
5. Brush sesame oil on both sides of the skewers.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve with additional Gochujang sauce for dipping, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Citrus Marinated Chicken Skewers
Brighten up your meal with these flavorful and refreshing citrus-marinated chicken skewers! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ, this recipe is easy to make and packed with citrusy goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. 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. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers with Pesto
Elevate your barbecue game with these colorful skewers featuring creamy halloumi cheese, flavorful vegetables, and a drizzle of pesto. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer party.
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 pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices
– 1 cup of mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tbsp of olive oil
– 2 tbsp of pesto
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the halloumi, bell peppers, onion, garlic, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the halloumi is golden brown.
5. Serve hot with a drizzle of pesto.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Pork Skewers
Elevate your summer gatherings with these mouthwatering skewers that balance sweet pineapple chunks with spicy pork and a hint of Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add pork pieces; toss to coat.
3. Thread pineapple chunks and marinated pork onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until pork is cooked through.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or condiments.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per serving
Moroccan Lamb Skewers with Mint Yogurt
Savor the aromatic flavors of Morocco with these tender lamb skewers, marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, served with a refreshing minty dip. Perfect for a quick dinner or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add lamb cubes to the marinade; mix well to coat.
4. Thread 3-4 lamb pieces onto each skewer.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side or until cooked through.
6. Serve with a dollop of mint yogurt (mix plain yogurt with chopped fresh mint leaves).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Skewers with Blue Cheese Dip
Elevate your outdoor gatherings or game-day parties with these bold and flavorful buffalo chicken skewers paired with a tangy blue cheese dip. This recipe is perfect for those who crave a little heat in their snacks.
Ingredients:
For the Skewers:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
For the Blue Cheese Dip:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chicken, Frank’s RedHot sauce, butter, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, mix dip ingredients in a bowl.
6. Serve warm skewers with chilled blue cheese dip.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Skewers
Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Skewers: A decadent and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering!
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into thirds
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Alternate scallops and bacon pieces on skewers.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tips:
– Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers, as this can affect cooking time.
– If desired, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Zucchini and Mushroom Skewers with Parmesan
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these flavorful and colorful skewers that combine the freshness of zucchini, earthiness of mushrooms, and nuttiness of Parmesan.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Alternate zucchini and mushroom slices on skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
6. Remove from heat and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill and skewer some flavor! This article features 20 mouth-watering recipes for flavorful skewers, perfect for any outdoor cooking occasion. From classic teriyaki chicken with pineapple to spicy pork with honey glaze, there’s something for every taste bud. Explore the world of international flavors with Mediterranean lamb, Thai peanut chicken, and Korean beef skewers, or stick closer to home with BBQ beef, Cajun shrimp, and sweet and spicy pineapple pork. Whether you’re a meat lover or a veggie enthusiast, these recipes are sure to please.
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