Barbecue Skewers – 3 Ways!

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Introduction

Barbecue Skewers are the ultimate way to enjoy bold, smoky flavors fresh off the grill. Juicy meats, vibrant vegetables, and mouthwatering marinades come together on a stick, making them a fun and delicious option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, firing up the grill for a summer gathering, or simply craving a flavorful meal, these skewers are guaranteed to impress.

The first time I made barbecue skewers, I was amazed by how easy they were to customize. Threading the skewers with a mix of meats and veggies felt like creating a colorful, flavor-packed masterpiece. As they sizzled on the grill, the smoky aroma filled the air, building anticipation for that first, juicy bite.

What I love most about barbecue skewers is the endless variety. Try Classic Steak & Veggie Skewers with bell peppers and onions for a hearty favorite, Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers for a sweet and savory twist, or Spicy Shrimp Skewers with a kick of chili for seafood lovers. Pair them with a fresh side salad, rice, or a cooling yogurt dip, and you’ve got a meal that’s as easy as it is unforgettable. No matter how you serve them, these skewers bring people together for a delicious, hands-on dining experience.

Perfect for:

  • Backyard BBQs
  • Summer parties
  • Family dinners
  • Meal prep
  • Quick and easy grilling

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Barbecue Skewers will be your new go-to grilling favorite:

  • Three Flavor Options: Enjoy a variety of marinades, from classic smoky steak to sweet honey garlic chicken to spicy shrimp.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a hassle-free meal.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Prepare the skewers ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner.
  • Customizable: Swap in your favorite proteins and veggies for endless combinations.
  • Perfect for Grilling or Baking: Cook on an outdoor grill, stovetop grill pan, or in the oven.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-500 calories (varies by skewer type)
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25-35g, Carbs: 15-25g, Fat: 10-20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make three variations of Barbecue Skewers:

Classic Steak & Veggie Skewers:

  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks

Spicy Shrimp Skewers:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks

Ingredient Highlights

  • Steak: Sirloin is a great choice for tenderness and rich flavor.
  • Chicken: Absorbs marinades well, making it juicy and flavorful.
  • Shrimp: Cooks quickly and pairs well with bold spices.
  • Vegetables: Peppers, onions, zucchini, and pineapple add sweetness, crunch, and color.
  • Honey Garlic Marinade: Sweet and savory, perfect for chicken.
  • Spicy Shrimp Seasoning: A blend of chili powder, cayenne, and garlic for a fiery kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinades:

  1. For Steak: In a bowl, mix olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss steak cubes in the mixture and let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
  2. For Chicken: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  3. For Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss shrimp in the mixture and marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Assemble the Skewers:

  1. Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Skewer the Ingredients:
    • For Steak & Veggie Skewers: Alternate steak, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini on skewers.
    • For Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers: Alternate chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple.
    • For Spicy Shrimp Skewers: Alternate shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and onion.

Grill or Bake the Skewers:

  1. Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Grill skewers for:
    • Steak: 3-4 minutes per side (medium doneness).
    • Chicken: 4-5 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    • Shrimp: 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
  2. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place skewers on a baking sheet and bake for:
    • Steak: 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
    • Chicken: 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
    • Shrimp: 8-10 minutes, flipping once.

How to Serve

  • On a Platter: Serve skewers on a large platter with dipping sauces.
  • With Rice or Quinoa: Pair with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
  • Over Salad: Remove skewers and serve over a fresh green salad.
  • With Grilled Bread: Serve with pita or flatbread for a Mediterranean touch.
  • As Tacos: Remove from skewers and serve in tortillas with toppings.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave space between ingredients to ensure even cooking.
  • Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Marinating steak and chicken for a few hours enhances taste.
  • Use Metal Skewers for Reusability: They don’t burn and are easier to handle.
  • Preheat the Grill Properly: Ensures a nice char and prevents sticking.
  • Rest the Meat: Let skewers rest for a couple of minutes before serving to retain juices.

Recipe Variations

  1. Teriyaki Beef Skewers: Swap Worcestershire sauce for teriyaki sauce in the marinade.
  2. Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers: Use olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
  3. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers: Replace chili powder with garlic butter for a rich flavor.
  4. Greek Chicken Skewers: Use a yogurt-based marinade with lemon, garlic, and oregano.
  5. Asian-Inspired Skewers: Add soy sauce and sesame seeds for an umami kick.
  6. Vegetarian Skewers: Use mushrooms, tofu, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
  7. Bacon-Wrapped Skewers: Wrap bacon around steak or chicken before grilling.
  8. Sweet & Smoky BBQ Skewers: Brush with smoky BBQ sauce before serving.
  9. Jamaican Jerk Skewers: Marinate in jerk seasoning for bold Caribbean flavors.
  10. Coconut Curry Skewers: Use a coconut milk and curry marinade for a tropical taste.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze raw, marinated meats in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Thaw before skewering.
  • Storage: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or on a skillet.

Special Equipment

  • Stand Mixer: A stand mixer (like a KitchenAid) helps knead the dough quickly and efficiently, ensuring it’s smooth and elastic.
  • Dough Hook: If using a stand mixer, the dough hook attachment is essential for kneading the dough without much effort.
  • Baking Sheet: A large, flat baking sheet provides enough space to arrange the buns evenly, allowing them to bake properly.
  • Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the buns from sticking and for easy cleanup.
  • Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is useful for applying the garlic butter glaze to the buns before baking.
  • Rolling Pin: To flatten out the dough and shape it evenly, a rolling pin is ideal for precise dough preparation.
  • Dough Scraper: A dough scraper helps divide and handle the dough easily without sticking.
  • Oven Thermometer: An oven thermometer ensures your oven is at the correct temperature, especially since bread dough can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
  • Bench Scraper: Useful for lifting the dough and transferring it from the counter to the baking sheet, a bench scraper can make your work more efficient.
  • Cooling Rack: Once baked, a cooling rack is essential for allowing the buns to cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

FAQ

  1. Can I use other meats? Yes! Pork, lamb, or tofu work well.
  2. Can I grill indoors? Yes, use a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
  3. What’s the best dipping sauce? Try tzatziki, garlic aioli, or BBQ sauce.
  4. Can I make these ahead? Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before grilling.
  5. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, thaw them first for best results.

Conclusion

Barbecue Skewers – 3 Ways! bring delicious variety to any meal, offering something for everyone. Whether you go for juicy steak, sweet honey garlic chicken, or bold spicy shrimp, these flavorful skewers are perfect for any occasion. Grill them outdoors for a smoky, charred finish or bake them inside for an easy, fuss-free meal—either way, they’re guaranteed to impress.

These versatile skewers are great for summer cookouts, quick weeknight dinners, or even meal prep. Mix and match your favorite proteins, add vibrant veggies, and pair them with your go-to dipping sauces for endless possibilities.

I can’t wait to see your take on these barbecue skewers! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make them your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite combinations in the comments. Happy grilling!

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