One of my favorite things to do in the summer is break out the grill and create some simple, tasty recipes. The grill is a great place to experiment and skewers are the perfect place to start. Plus what's better than grilling on the 4th of July? Especially mouth-watering skewers. The only thing better than a good skewer recipe? Three skewer recipes! You're welcome.
17" Skewers
Chicken teriyaki is a classic staple that both the kids and adults will love.
Chicken Teriyaki (soy & gluten free)
Everyone loves a good teriyaki, but for those with food restrictions its often abandoned as an option. This version is gluten and soy free, but full of the teriyaki flavor we all crave.
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 2in pieces
- 1/2 red onion cut into 1in pieces
- 2 cups pineapple chunks fresh works better than canned
For the Marinade
- 1/2 cup Coconut Aminos Teriyaki Sauce Coconut Secret brand used here
- 1 tbsp Coconut Aminos Hoisin Sauce Coconut Secret brand used here
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1-2 tbsp honey to preferred sweetness
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp fresh ground ginger 1/2 tsp powder works, but isn't as good
Marinade the chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients and add the chicken and onion. Marinate on the counter for at least 30 minutes or in the fridge 2-6 hours. Do not add the pineapple to the marinade.
When ready to grill, skewer the ingredients, adding a piece of red onion between each of the other ingredients. Grill on indirect heat for 15-20 minutes, brushing with the marinade, then finish over direct heat.
14" Skewers
Who doesn't love a good shrimp and scallop kebab? With this recipe the shrimp and scallops soak up so much of the flavor and really pop.
Shrimp & Scallop Kebabs
Quick, delicious, light. Great served with salsa, salads, or fruits and vegetables of any kind. Super easy, and not overthought.
- 1 lb shrimp 15-20 count
- 1 lb scallops medium size
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper fresh ground
In a bowl toss together the ingredients, except the lime wedges. Skewer the shrimp and scallops, alternating between each.
Brush grill grate with avocado oil and grill the skewers on direct heat for 1-3 minutes per side. Squeeze fresh citrus over top and serve.
Of course I also had to try a lamb kebab, and wow, this one will rock your socks off. It quickly became a favorite with the little bit of spice to compliment the savory.
Ground Lamb Kofta Kebabs
My favorite kebabs. No question. So full of flavor, and amazing paired with fresh sumac onions and a side of tzatziki sauce.
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 2 tsp coriander seed
- 2 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp cumin seed
- 1 tsp fennel seed
- 1/2 tsp caraway seed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2-1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp allspice
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/4 yellow onion finely grated/minced
- 3 cloves garlic finely grated/minced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger finely grated/minced
In a dry pan, add the coriander, black peppercorns, cumin, fennel, and caraway. Toast the spices until they start to darken and are fragrant. Remove to a mortar and pestle and grind to a uniform powder.
In a large mixing bowl, add the lamb, toasted spices, remaining spices and all other ingredients. Mix by hand, working fairly aggressively. You'll work this mix more than you would a traditional meatball, but not to the point of mush. Ingredients should all be evenly incorporated.
Divide the mixture into even thirds (or smaller if using smaller skewers). Take one of the portions, form it into a ball, and stick the tip of the skewer into it. Squeeze the meat down the skewer evenly, forming a long, uniform tube-like shape. Uniformity is important for even cooking.
Grill the lamb over direct heat and serve warm with tzatziki sauce, sumac onions, felafel, grilled vegetables, hummus, olives - any or all of your favorites!
14" Skewers | 17" Skewers
What's your favorite thing to skewer and grill?
So good, and so simple! I find Japanese chicken liver skewers (reba yakitori) interesting.