Grilling season is here, and kabobs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for outdoor cooking adventures!
Skewered delights offer endless possibilities, from juicy meats to vibrant veggies and even surprising sweet options. Ready to transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering meals on a stick? These 16 kabob recipes will make you the undisputed grill master of your neighborhood.
1. Classic Mediterranean Lamb Kabobs
Succulent chunks of lamb marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and fragrant herbs create a Mediterranean masterpiece on your grill! The secret lies in cubing the meat uniformly for even cooking.
Rosemary and oregano infuse each bite with earthy flavors that transport you straight to a Greek taverna. Pair with tzatziki sauce for an authentic experience!
2. Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Skewers
These fiery shrimp skewers kick your taste buds into overdrive with a zesty sriracha marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Large shrimp absorb the spicy-sweet glaze in just 30 minutes.
How quickly they’ll disappear from your plate might surprise you! Garnish with cilantro and lime for that perfect finishing touch.
3. Teriyaki Beef & Pineapple Combos
If heaven had a taste, it might be these sweet-savory teriyaki beef kabobs with caramelized pineapple chunks! The marinade’s umami depth transforms ordinary sirloin into something extraordinary.
Though simple to prepare, these skewers deliver complex flavor profiles as the fruit’s natural sugars create a delicious glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving for that Instagram-worthy finish!
4. Rainbow Veggie Skewers With Halloumi
Ever tried cheese that doesn’t melt on the grill? Halloumi’s magical properties make it the perfect protein companion to these vibrant veggie skewers! Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes create a colorful parade.
What makes these truly special is a simple garlic-herb oil brushed on during grilling. Your vegetarian guests will be fighting for seconds!
5. Honey-Lime Chicken Fajita Kabobs
Zesty lime juice meets sweet honey in a marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into backyard fiesta fare! Alternating the meat with colorful bell peppers and onions creates the perfect fajita-inspired bite.
Where has this recipe been all your grilling life? The quick 4-hour marinade means you can decide on these for dinner without planning days ahead. Serve with warm tortillas for DIY fajita wraps!
6. Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Skewers
Luxurious yet surprisingly simple, these bacon-wrapped scallop skewers might just steal the spotlight at your next cookout! Plump sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon create an irresistible textural contrast.
Drizzled with maple-bourbon glaze? Absolutely divine! The sweet-smoky combination elevates this appetizer to restaurant-quality status. Try serving these on a bed of arugula for an elegant presentation.
7. Moroccan Spiced Chickpea & Vegetable Kebabs
Who says plant-based options can’t be the star of your BBQ? These Moroccan-inspired chickpea kebabs pack a flavor punch that might convert even dedicated carnivores! Pre-cooked chickpeas marinated in aromatic spices hold beautifully on skewers.
Though untraditional, the cumin-coriander-cinnamon blend transports your taste buds to a Marrakech market. Serve with cooling mint yogurt sauce for the perfect temperature contrast!
8. Garlic Butter Steak & Mushroom Skewers
Carnivores rejoice! These decadent steak kabobs feature tender beef cubes and meaty mushrooms drenched in garlic butter that sizzles enticingly on the grill. Sirloin or ribeye work perfectly here.
What if I told you the secret ingredient is a splash of Worcestershire sauce in the butter? It adds incredible depth! Add some crusty bread on the side to soak up every drop of that magnificent butter sauce.
9. Tropical Coconut Rum Pork Skewers
Transport yourself to a Caribbean beach with these island-inspired pork kabobs! Tender pork shoulder chunks soaked in coconut milk, rum, and brown sugar develop a caramelized exterior that’s utterly addictive.
Feeling adventurous? Thread some mango chunks between the meat for a sweet contrast. The marinade creates such a flavorful crust that no additional sauce is needed—though a sprinkle of lime zest adds the perfect finishing touch.
10. Za’atar Spiced Tofu & Eggplant Kabobs
Middle Eastern za’atar spice blend transforms humble tofu into a flavor explosion that will convert skeptics! Extra-firm tofu, pressed and marinated overnight, develops a gorgeous crust on the grill.
Alternating with eggplant chunks that become silky-smooth when grilled creates textural magic. Drizzle with tahini sauce before serving and scatter pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and sweetness. Your vegan friends will demand the recipe!
11. Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Boil Skewers
Y’all won’t believe how these kabobs capture the essence of a Louisiana shrimp boil without the massive pot! Andouille sausage coins, jumbo shrimp, corn pieces, and baby potatoes create a complete meal on a stick.
Cajun seasoning provides that authentic kick we all crave! The corn develops sweet charred spots while the potatoes (pre-boiled) get crispy edges. Serve with melted butter spiked with hot sauce for dipping.
12. Lemon-Herb Fish & Fennel Kabobs
Delicate yet distinctive, these fish kabobs showcase firm white fish like swordfish or halibut in a bright lemon-herb marinade. Fennel bulb slices add a surprising licorice note that perfectly complements seafood.
Worried about fish sticking to the grill? The trick is ensuring your grates are squeaky clean and well-oiled before cooking! Cherry tomatoes add juicy bursts of acidity that balance the entire skewer beautifully.
13. Korean BBQ Bulgogi Beef Skewers
Craving that sweet-savory Korean BBQ flavor? These bulgogi-inspired beef kabobs deliver all the traditional taste without needing a special grill! Thinly sliced ribeye marinated in a mixture of soy, pear juice, garlic, and ginger caramelizes beautifully.
Though traditionally not served as kabobs, this format allows for perfect charred edges while maintaining tender centers. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for authentic flair!
14. Sweet & Spicy Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple
Mind-blowing flavor combinations await in these sweet-meets-savory-meets-spicy kabobs! Thick-cut bacon wrapped around juicy pineapple chunks creates an irresistible contrast that will have guests raving.
Brushed with sriracha-honey glaze? Absolutely heavenly! The bacon fat renders and caramelizes the pineapple while the glaze creates a sticky, spicy coating. Perfect as an appetizer or alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal.
15. Balsamic Glazed Caprese Skewers
No grill? No problem! These no-cook kabobs capture summer’s essence with fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves threaded onto skewers and drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze.
Where has this easy appetizer been all your entertaining life? The secret lies in using room-temperature ingredients for maximum flavor. Arrange in a circular pattern on a serving platter for a stunning presentation that takes just minutes to assemble!
16. Grilled Dessert S’mores Kabobs
Whaaaat? Dessert kabobs? Absolutely! These playful skewers feature marshmallows, pound cake cubes, and strawberries grilled to caramelized perfection, then drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Genius for summer entertaining when you already have the grill fired up! The heat transforms ordinary ingredients into gooey, toasty delights. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers before serving for that authentic s’mores experience without the campfire.