Summer grilling season is here, and what better way to enjoy the warm weather than with delicious skewers? Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, sweet, or spicy, we’ve got you covered. From classic combinations like shrimp and pineapple to bold flavors like Korean BBQ beef, our collection of 20 skewer recipes will take your outdoor cooking to the next level.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of mouthwatering options that are perfect for hot summer days. You’ll find ideas for protein-packed skewers, veggie-centric options, and even some sweet treats to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, our skewer recipes will inspire you to get grilling. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and let the good times roll!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these flavorful and easy-to-make Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or even a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 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 small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Thread shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly onto the shrimp, making sure they’re well-coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
Elevate your outdoor gatherings or weeknight dinner routine with these sweet and savory Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, perfectly paired with juicy pineapple chunks.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 10 bamboo skewers
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce and vegetable oil. Add chicken pieces; toss to coat.
3. Thread chicken, pineapple chunks, and sesame seeds (if using) onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the top of each skewer with any remaining teriyaki sauce.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot with additional pineapple chunks and chopped green onions (if desired).
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Beef and Mushroom Skewers with Chimichurri
Elevate your grilling game with these flavorful skewers, featuring tender beef and earthy mushrooms paired with a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), stems removed and caps quartered
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 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 beef and mushrooms onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Brush the chimichurri sauce evenly over the skewers.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until beef reaches desired level of doneness.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Spicy Lamb Kofta Skewers
Elevate your barbecue game with these flavorful Spicy Lamb Kofta Skewers, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or as an appetizer for a gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Optional: your favorite yogurt-based tzatziki sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine lamb, breadcrumbs, garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well with hands until just combined.
3. Divide mixture into 10-12 portions, shaping each into a small ball. Flatten slightly into oval shapes for skewering.
4. Thread each ball onto a bamboo skewer, leaving a small gap between each kofta.
5. Brush grill or grill pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately with tzatziki sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Honey Sriracha Glazed Pork Skewers
Elevate your outdoor cooking with these sweet and spicy honey sriracha glazed pork skewers, perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. With a balance of sticky honey and spicy sriracha, these bite-sized morsels are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, garlic, and soy sauce.
3. Add pork cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread pork cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Mediterranean Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers
A flavorful and colorful vegetarian skewer recipe that combines the creaminess of halloumi cheese with the sweetness of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup mixed color bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
– 1 cup zucchini, sliced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or oregano leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Thread halloumi cheese, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives, and garlic onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Herb Salmon Skewers
Elevate your seafood game with these flavorful salmon skewers, perfectly balanced between tangy lemon and herby freshness.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), cut into 1-inch chunks
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, parsley, and garlic.
3. Add the salmon chunks to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread the marinated salmon onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Skewers
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this innovative twist on traditional BBQ pulled pork – introducing BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Skewers!
Ingredients:
• 1 can of jackfruit in brine, drained and chopped
• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers (12-15)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, mix together chopped jackfruit, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Thread 2-3 tablespoons of the jackfruit mixture onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each portion.
4. Place skewers on the grill or grill pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your delicious BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Skewers!
Sesame Ginger Tofu Skewers
Add a burst of Asian-inspired flavor to your next gathering with these savory Sesame Ginger Tofu Skewers. Perfect for snacking or as part of a larger meal, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and honey.
3. Add the tofu cubes and toss to coat evenly.
4. Thread the marinated tofu onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tofu is lightly browned and crispy.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Skewers
Get ready to spice up your outdoor cooking with these bold and delicious Cajun-inspired skewers, featuring juicy shrimp and spicy sausage.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4-6 Cajun-style sausage links (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread shrimp, sausage, and onions (optional) onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle Cajun seasoning blend evenly over the skewers.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until shrimp are pink and sausage is nicely charred.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes total
Korean BBQ Beef Skewers
Experience the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with this simple recipe for beef skewers marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Add the beef cubes to the marinade and mix until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as kimchi and rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate the classic Caprese salad to a new level by transforming it into bite-sized skewers, perfect for parties and gatherings. These colorful kebabs combine fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil on toothpicks, then drizzle with a rich balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
– 6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 10-12 wooden toothpicks
– Balsamic Glaze (see below)
Balsamic Glaze:
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Alternate tomato halves, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on toothpicks.
3. Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
5. Meanwhile, combine balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a small saucepan.
6. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes or until glaze has thickened slightly.
7. Remove skewers from oven and drizzle with warm Balsamic Glaze.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Jerk Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa
Elevate your backyard barbecues with these flavorful and colorful jerk chicken skewers, perfectly balanced by a sweet and tangy mango salsa.
Ingredients:
For the jerk chicken:
– 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 lime, juiced
For the mango salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, olive oil, garlic, and lime juice. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a bowl.
6. Serve jerk chicken skewers with mango salsa on the side.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Chicken and Olive Skewers
Savor the flavors of Greece with these vibrant skewers, perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer. Marinated chicken and olives are paired with feta cheese and herbs, then grilled to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Add chicken to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken, olives, and feta cheese onto skewers.
4. Brush with remaining marinade and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Caribbean Pineapple and Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Experience the tropical flavors of the Caribbean with these sweet and savory shrimp skewers, marinated in a zesty jerk seasoning and paired with juicy pineapple chunks.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning (see note)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread shrimp and pineapple chunks onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush the tops with jerk seasoning mixture.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Tomato Skewers
Elevate your outdoor cooking with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the richness of pesto with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes and juicy chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken and tomatoes; toss to coat evenly.
4. Thread chicken and tomato pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Thai Peanut Tofu and Veggie Skewers
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional skewers, this recipe combines the creaminess of peanut sauce with the crunch of toasted peanuts and the sweetness of grilled tofu and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread tofu, vegetables, and peanuts onto skewers.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Brush the peanut sauce mixture evenly onto the skewers.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tofu is golden brown and vegetables are tender.
6. Serve hot with additional peanut sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Skewers
Get ready to elevate your asparagus game with this easy and impressive recipe! Crispy bacon, tender asparagus, and a hint of parmesan cheese come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus spears
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
3. Wrap each piece with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the asparagus and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Miso-Glazed Eggplant Skewers
A sweet and savory twist on traditional eggplant skewers, this recipe combines the rich flavors of miso paste with the tender texture of grilled eggplant.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 10 wooden skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger until smooth.
3. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with the miso glaze.
4. Thread 2-3 eggplant slices onto each skewer.
5. Brush the tops of the eggplant with vegetable oil.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
7. Serve warm, garnished with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Coconut Lime Chicken Skewers
A refreshing twist on traditional chicken skewers, these Coconut Lime Chicken Skewers combine the flavors of tropical coconut and zesty lime with succulent chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 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 coconut, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken and toss to coat.
3. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill this summer with these delicious skewer recipes! From savory meats and vegetables to sweet and sticky glazes, there’s something for everyone. Try Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers or Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Pineapple for a taste of the tropics. Or go bold with Spicy Lamb Kofta Skewers or Honey Sriracha Glazed Pork Skewers. And don’t forget about vegetarian options like Mediterranean Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers or Thai Peanut Tofu and Veggie Skewers. Whatever your flavor, these 20 skewer recipes are sure to please!