15 Best Skewers and Kabobs for Easy Summer Grilling

two colorful skewers of chicken, red bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and yellow squash on a grill
Photo: balsdon_21

Need a quick and easy grilled dish that can be endlessly customized with meats, vegetables, and fruits to suit any appetite? Kabobs (aka skewers) are the answer! Here are just a few of our favorite kabob recipes — there's something here for every palate. For more ideas, browse our complete collection of grilled skewers and kabob recipes.

01 of 15

Beef Satay

Beef Satay
Kent Wright

Beef Satay is a Thai appetizer skewer that always disappears first. Tender cubes of sirloin are marinated in an aromatic mix of ginger, garlic, onion, brown sugar, fish sauce, soy, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Serve it with a Peanut Dipping Sauce, and stand back while the crowd goes wild. Watch the video to learn how to make this flavorful dish.

02 of 15

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Jennifer Martin

This Greek-inspired chicken kabob recipe includes an easy cucumber yogurt sauce called tzatziki. Reviewers recommend squeezing the moisture out of the cucumbers so the sauce doesn't get too watery.

03 of 15

BBQ Teriyaki Pork Kabobs

BBQ Teriyaki Pork Kabobs
Allrecipes Magazine

Tender cubes of boneless pork loin are marinated in garlic and soy sauce then glazed as they grill with homemade teriyaki sauce.

04 of 15

Chef John's Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp

shrimp skewers on a white plate
Chef John

Shrimp are marinated in a garlic and herb paste then skewered for a tasty shrimp kabob. The key to this dish is using the largest shrimp available so they can stay on the grill for a long time without overcooking. If this has your mouth watering, you'll love our top-rated grilled shrimp recipes.

05 of 15

Grilled Tofu Skewers with Sriracha Sauce

Grilled Tofu Skewers with Sriracha Sauce
Buckwheat Queen

Not all kabobs need to feature meat. This skewer is perfect for vegetarians and features marinated tofu and vegetables. Make sure to buy extra firm tofu and drain it well before skewering; otherwise, it will fall off the sticks.

  • 17 Top-Rated Vegan Recipes for Summer Grilling
06 of 15

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs
LaurenM

With 2,000+ rave reviews, this is one of our most popular kabob recipes. And it's so incredibly simple. Chicken cubes are marinated in ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and lemon juice, then quickly grilled for a super-quick dish. Reviewer SusanD112 says, "My husband and I would give them 10 stars if we could."

07 of 15

Grilled "Tandoori" Lamb

Grilled "Tandoori" Lamb
Chef John

Chef John says, "Here, 'tandoori' refers to the yogurt-based, aromatically spiced marinade that can be used on grilled, broiled, or baked meat. You can adjust the spices to your own personal preferences. Serve with flatbread or rice and cilantro chutney." And you know Chef John always has good advice.

08 of 15

Mamita's Mojito Scallop Kabobs with Stuffed Tomatoes

Mamita's Mojito Scallop Kabobs with Stuffed Tomatoes
Soup Loving Nicole

Shrimp aren't the only seafood that can be skewered. Try other varieties, like these scallops, marinated in a mojito-inspired dressing. Follow Soup Loving Nicole's advice and double the marinade, but only let them sit for a few hours – otherwise, you'll end up with ceviche.

09 of 15

Grilled Salmon Skewers

Grilled Salmon Skewers
Meredith

Chunks of salmon are glazed with homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled for a quick appetizer or main dish. Reviewer Jill says, "I tested this recipe last night and it was a hit! I'll definitely be serving this at our Luau party next week. It's a fairly mild marinade that doesn't overwhelm the salmon."

10 of 15

Lemongrass Ground Beef Skewers

Lemongrass Ground Beef Skewers
Aja

Lemongrass adds a citrusy, minty flavor to the meatballs in this simple, money-saving recipe made with ground beef. If you can't find lemongrass in the produce section of your market, feel free to substitute chives and green onions. Reviewer Marcie did, and she said it was great.

11 of 15

Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs

two colorful skewers of chicken, red bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and yellow squash on a grill
balsdon_21

"This is a very tasty and versatile recipe! I haven't had any trouble with a lack of flavor. In fact, the other night I made this last minute, and it only marinated about 30 minutes and was still delicious." — HBAnderson

12 of 15

Grilled Tequila-Lime Shrimp

Grilled Tequila-Lime Shrimp
Allrecipes Magazine

"This was great. The marinade didn't overpower the shrimp but still added a nice flavor. Great for a light summer barbecue with chips and guacamole for an appetizer and a nice margarita on the side to complement. I'll be making this again and suspect it will be a frequent meal in the hot summer Texas heat!" — DAWNC

  • 20 Best Grilled Recipes for Summer BBQ Potlucks
13 of 15

Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
CC<3's2bake

"Oh my! These are absolutely delicious! I've made these twice now with excellent results, and it's now become one of my husband's favorites," Jillian says. "I skewered the meat separate from fruit and veggies as they cook at different rates. I love it when so few simple ingredients combine to create something really special. This was wonderful served with rice!"

14 of 15

Sausage and Bell Pepper Kebabs

Sausage and Bell Pepper Kebabs
Soup Loving Nicole

"One of my favorite sausage meals," recipe creator nweqjohn says. "Perfect for grilling with kids." Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and parsley flavor this simple recipe.

15 of 15

Moroccan Lamb Kabobs

Moroccan Lamb Kabobs
Caroline C

"Absolutely sensational. My husband, who loves lamb, couldn't resist taking thirds. The raisins add such a bright accent to the meat. Don't skimp on using goat cheese. It definitely adds to the flavor," FaizahB says.

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