Welcome to the ultimate guide for mastering the art of the skewer! Whether you call them kebobs, kebabs, or simply skewers, these delightful handheld meals are an undisputed champion of summer cooking. Our comprehensive roundup of recipes provides an array of splendid options featuring chicken, seafood, beef, and even vibrant vegetables, ensuring your grill stays sizzling all season long. But don’t fret if the weather isn’t cooperating; many of these recipes are versatile enough to be adapted for your oven or stovetop, proving that delicious, handheld noshing is always in season.
There’s an undeniable charm to meat on a stick – a culinary concept that transcends cultures and delights palates worldwide. This summer, we’re officially declaring it the “Season of Skewers.” And for good reason! Grilling skewers offers a fantastic combination of speed and flavor. First, they cook incredibly fast, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or impromptu backyard gatherings. Second, they are extraordinarily receptive to marinades, allowing you to infuse deep, complex flavors with minimal effort.
Craving the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean? A simple whisk of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and fragrant oregano can transform your favorite proteins and vegetables into a Greek-inspired feast. Or perhaps you’re yearning for an exotic Asian flair? Craft a rich, savory peanut sauce, massage it into succulent chicken chunks, and you’ve got a sensational dinner ready in no time. Even humble vegetables can be elevated to gourmet status when threaded with slices of halloumi cheese and generously slathered in a bold, spicy harissa glaze. The possibilities are truly endless when you unlock the power of the skewer.
So, it’s time to gather your grilling essentials. Whether you prefer sturdy metal skewers for their reusability, natural wooden skewers for their rustic appeal, or even cast-iron skewers for superior heat retention, pull them from the drawer, give that grill a good clean, and prepare to serve up food in the most quintessential summer fashion: perfectly portioned and ready to enjoy on a stick.
Nina Olsson
Flavorful Eggplant Kebabs
Kristin Teig
Tender Grilled Scallop Kabobs
David Malosh
Easy Sheet Pan Beef Skewers
Mowie Kay
Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Harissa Halloumi
Skewer FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Absolutely! The reusability of skewers depends on their material. If you’re using durable metal skewers, a thorough cleaning after each use ensures they’re safe and ready for countless grilling sessions. They’re an economical and eco-friendly choice for frequent grillers. On the other hand, wooden or bamboo skewers are designed for single use. It’s best to discard them after cooking to maintain hygiene and prevent any splintering or weakening that could occur with repeated use. When choosing, consider metal for heavy rotation and bamboo for convenience or if you’re concerned about cleaning.
Yes, it’s a crucial step for wooden and bamboo skewers! Before threading your ingredients, these types of skewers should be submerged in water for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for a few hours. This soaking process saturates the wood with moisture, which helps prevent the skewers from igniting or burning excessively over the hot grill flames while your delicious food cooks. Skipping this step can lead to charred, brittle skewers and potentially unevenly cooked food.
Achieving even cooking on skewers requires a couple of key techniques. First, avoid packing the pieces of food too tightly together. Leaving a small amount of space between each ingredient on the skewer allows heat to circulate uniformly around all sides, promoting consistent cooking and browning. Second, remember to turn your skewers frequently throughout the cooking process. This ensures all sides of the food get equal exposure to the heat, preventing one side from burning while another remains undercooked. A good pair of long-handled tongs is your best friend here, keeping your fingers safe from the barbecue heat.
The beauty of skewers lies in their versatility! Almost anything that can be cut into bite-sized pieces and withstand direct heat can be skewered. Popular choices include chicken, beef, lamb, pork, shrimp, scallops, and firmer fish like swordfish. For vegetables, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and even potatoes (pre-boiled for tenderness) work wonderfully. Don’t forget fruits like pineapple or peaches for a sweet twist, especially when paired with savory meats for an unexpected flavor combination.
Yes, preparing skewers in advance is a great way to save time, especially when entertaining! Most meat and vegetable skewers can be assembled a few hours ahead of grilling. For marinated skewers, you can often marinate the protein overnight for maximum flavor. Just store the assembled skewers tightly covered in the refrigerator. Seafood skewers are generally best assembled closer to cooking time to maintain freshness and texture. Always check specific recipe instructions for optimal preparation and storage times.
These curated recipes offer a fantastic starting point for an easy and delicious skewered meal. We encourage you to use them as a creative guide, feeling free to experiment and personalize to your heart’s content. Choose your favorite marinade – perhaps an easy Greek marinade for a zesty kick – pair it with a quick-cooking protein, and gather an assortment of your preferred vegetables. Load up your skewers, fire up the grill, and enjoy the delicious results of this simple yet satisfying cooking method. What’s your go-to skewer combination?
Grilled Turkey Kebabs with Refreshing Cucumber Salad
David Leite
Ingredients
Units: US
Units: US
For the Turkey Kebabs
- 3 pounds boneless turkey (white or dark meat), cut into 1 1/2-inch (8-cm) chunks
- 2 (7-ounce) onions, grated
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar, rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, or verjuice
- 1 tablespoon ground sumac
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or mild vegetable oil
- Sea salt, to taste
For the Cucumber Salad
- 3 cups peeled Persian or English cucumbers, cut in 1/2-inch (6-mm) cubes
- 3/4 teaspoon dried mint or 1 tablespoon torn fresh mint leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground sumac
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste
To serve (optional)
- Cooked rice
- Assorted chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, mint, or parsley
Instructions
Make the Turkey Kebabs
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At least 3 hours before you plan to grill, thoroughly pat the turkey pieces dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried turkey chunks with the grated onion, your chosen vinegar or verjuice, and 1 teaspoon of ground sumac. Stir diligently to ensure all the turkey is fully coated with the aromatic marinade.
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Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and tenderize the turkey.
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Approximately 30 minutes before you intend to grill, remove the marinated turkey from the refrigerator to bring it closer to room temperature. Preheat your charcoal or gas grill to a medium heat, aiming for a temperature of about 400°F (204°C).
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Carefully slide the marinated turkey pieces onto your chosen skewers, ensuring there is ample space between each piece to allow for even cooking and browning. Discard any remaining marinade. Lightly brush the skewered turkey with a little extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt.
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Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill, turning them frequently with tongs, until the turkey is beautifully lightly browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take approximately 15 minutes. About halfway through the cooking process, sprinkle the kebabs with an additional 2 teaspoons of sumac and another generous dash of salt to enhance their flavor.
Make the Cucumber Salad
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While the turkey kebabs are grilling, prepare the refreshing cucumber salad. Place the cubed cucumbers in a serving bowl.
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Sprinkle the cucumbers with dried mint (or fresh torn mint leaves), ground sumac, and sea salt. Gently toss all the ingredients together to combine them thoroughly. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or sumac to your preference.
To Serve
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Once the turkey kebabs are perfectly cooked, remove them from the grill and arrange them artfully on a large platter. Serve these flavorful kebabs immediately with the crisp cucumber salad. For a complete and satisfying meal, you may also serve them alongside fluffy cooked rice and a sprinkle of assorted chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, mint, or parsley, for added freshness and color. Enjoy this delightful summer dish!
Adapted From
Taste of Persia
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Nutrition Facts
Calories: 346 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Protein: 50 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Cholesterol: 122 mg
Sodium: 569 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 4 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
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