close up of steak tips and vegetables on a metal skewer

6 Skewer Recipes to Keep Your Grill Sizzling

Last Updated on August 9, 2021

One of the most interesting ways of cooking meat on a grill is with a skewer, commonly known as a kebab. The kebab has a storied past, and most culinary traditions have their own unique, delicious version. From Moroccan lamb kebabs to fajita skewers, here’s a recipe roundup that will keep your grill sizzling all year long.

Chicken Thigh Skewers

Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, is a frequent companion to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. This chicken thigh skewer recipe combines cumin, red pepper flakes, and sugar to produce a spicy-sweet chicken that is topped with the fresh, garlicky-lemon flavor of homemade tahini. Char on the grill for added smokiness, and serve with grilled onions.

Korean Beef Skewers

While you traditionally cook Korean barbecue over specially designed grills, you can also cook it on your grill at home. This beef recipe displays spicy and savory flavors of sesame, soy sauce, and spicy gochujang for a heat-building flavor experience. The marinade takes some time to soak in—2 hours to be exact—but the end result is definitely worth the wait. Serve the grilled meat with lettuce and kimchi for a delicious wrap.

Moroccan Lamb or Beef Kebabs

These Moroccan-style kebabs, traditionally called brochettes, are simple in seasoning and full in flavor. Toss cubes of beef or lamb with parsley, cilantro, cumin, and paprika. Then toast them on the grill until juicy and tender. You can serve these on their own as an appetizer. For a more traditional presentation, combine them with veggies, tzatziki, and olive tapenade in a pita.

Pork and Pineapple Skewers

While some kebabs only include meat, others incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables onto the skewer. Pork and pineapple, a combination found across multiple continents, is a prime example of just how delicious the salty-sweet flavor combination can be. With barbecue sauce, garlic, and onions, this skewer recipe is perfect for an impromptu lunch, or as a beach snack.

Classic Steakhouse Skewers

If you’re looking for a classic American grill recipe, look no further than the steakhouse skewer. These steak kebabs—featuring onions and potatoes—are a meal unto themselves. Just be sure to parboil the potatoes before skewering to ensure everything is properly cooked. Great for feeding a large crowd, these steakhouse skewers are bound to be a fan-favorite at your backyard barbecue.

Chicken Fajita Skewers

Who says you need a smoking hot skillet to cook fajitas? This fajita skewers recipe has everything the traditional dish needs, with chicken, peppers, onions, and a zesty, citrusy seasoning. Serve in fresh tortillas with guacamole and sour cream, or simply eat them off the skewer as is. It is also easy to substitute the chicken with steak or shrimp.

Jonathan is a freelance writer/editor and rock climbing route-setter based in Boston, MA. When he’s not wielding words or making people fall off walls, he’s probably outside somewhere, hiking or climbing or surfing poorly. He’s been known, on occasion, to drop everything and travel the world for months at a time. Learn more about Jonathan at www.jonathanlittauer.com.