How to Make Delicious Shish Kebabs on the Grill

Grilling shish kebabs is a delightful way to enjoy a medley of flavors and textures in one dish. Perfect for summer cookouts or easy weeknight meals, shish kebabs combine seasoned meat, vibrant vegetables, and sweet fruits all cooked to perfection on a skewer. Here's how to prepare and grill shish kebabs like a pro.

What You’ll Need

• Skewers: Wooden (soaked) or metal

• Nonstick Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: To prevent sticking

• Meat, Vegetables, and Fruits: Choose your favorites

• Ziplock Bags: For marinating

• Marinade: Enhance flavor and tenderness (see recipe below)

• Pastry Brush and Tongs: For grilling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

• Chop: Use a sharp knife to cut your meat, vegetables, and fruits into 1 ½- to 2-inch cubes.

• Marinate: Place meat cubes in a ziplock bag with marinade (recipe below) and refrigerate for at least four hours. Keep fruits and veggies in a separate bag.

Pro Tip: Chicken, beef, shrimp, pork, zucchini, mushrooms, pineapple, and cherry tomatoes are great options. Choose combinations that complement each other, like chicken, green peppers, and pineapple.

2. Prepare Skewers

• Wooden Skewers: Soak in water for at least an hour to prevent burning.

• Metal Skewers: Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil for easy removal of ingredients.

3. Preheat the Grill

• Brush grill grates with olive oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium direct heat, around 325–350°F.

Orange-Ginger BBQ Sauce Marinade

Combine these ingredients in a bowl, then pour over meat cubes in a ziplock bag:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup orange juice

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Tip: Marinate in the fridge for at least four hours, mixing the bag every hour to ensure even coating.

4. Assemble the Kebabs

• Alternate meat, vegetables, and fruits on the skewer, leaving slight spaces between each piece to ensure even cooking.

• Place sturdier ingredients, like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms, at the ends of the skewer to hold everything in place.

5. Grill the Kebabs

• Lay skewers on the preheated grill and close the lid.

• Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, turning once, for a total of 8–10 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Tips for Perfect Kebabs

• Uniform Size: Cut all ingredients to a similar size for even cooking.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between items on the skewer for proper heat circulation.

• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature (e.g., 165°F for chicken).

• Resting Time: Let the kebabs rest for a couple of minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.

The Bottom Line

With the right combination of fresh ingredients, a flavorful marinade, and careful grilling, shish kebabs are a foolproof way to create a healthy, delicious, and visually stunning meal. Get creative with your combinations and enjoy the flavors of the grill!

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