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23 Fast, Easy Kebab Recipes That Encompass Virtually Every World Cuisine

From the Mediterranean and the Caribbean to India, Japan, Cambodia, and beyond, these skewers are reason enough to fire up the grill

Sunset
1 /23 Thomas J. Story

Madras Curry Lamb Kebabs

A simple marinade flavored with Madras curry powder pairs perfectly with lamb. Serve with naan or pita, yogurt sauce, and chopped cilantro. Recipe: Madras Curry Lamb Kebabs
2 /23 Thomas J. Story

Mediterranean Lamb Kebabs

Lamb and Mediterranean flavors has been a classic combo. An Eastern Mediterranean spice blend gives the marinade a bit of a twist. Serve with lavash or pita, tahini, and sliced tomato and onion. Recipe: Mediterranean Lamb Kebabs
3 /23 Thomas J. Story

Japanese Spice Lamb Kebabs

Japanese seasoning blend shichimi togarashi is the surprise ingredient that makes these kebabs a winner for lovers of spicy food. Recipe: Japanese Spice Lamb Kebabs
4 /23 Leo Gong

Grilled Lamb and Halloumi Kebabs

Alternating lamb pieces with salty halloumi cheese on skewers is a good way to balance the flavors of both in one easy step.

Recipe: Grilled Lamb and Halloumi Kebabs
5 /23 Annabelle Breakey

Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Pistachio-Mint Salsa

An aromatic, unusual salsa makes these kebabs—and their accompanying white-bean salad—extraordinary.

Recipe: Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Pistachio-Mint Salsa

6 /23 Eva Kolenko

Lemongrass Beef Skewers

Cambodian-spiced beef on the grill is heavenly when paired with a crisp, full-bodied beer. Recipe: Lemongrass Beef Skewers
7 /23 Annabelle Breakey

Indian-Spiced Lamb Kebabs

The smells coming off the grill are heavenly when you cook these delectable meat-and-vegetable skewers. If you’re not a lamb fan, use beef instead.

Recipe: Indian-Spiced Lamb Kebabs

8 /23 Photo by Annabelle Breakey; edited by Amy Machnak

So Amazing Armenian Lula Kebabs

Spiced ground lamb formed into skewers is a good alternative to expensive lamb chops. Serve with a Greek salad and a glass of wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Recipe: So Amazing Armenian Lula Kebabs

9 /23 Leo Gong

Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Romesco Sauce

This is a chicken kebab dish that will please anyone with a refined palate. Use the leftover romesco sauce for eggs or roasted artichokes.

Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Romesco Sauce
10 /23 Iain Bagwell

Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Israeli Couscous

This simple and tasty recipe yields a generous amount of food, so make sure you have some hungry guests!

Recipe: Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Israeli Couscous
11 /23 Photo by Leigh Beisch; edited by Amy Machnak

Grilled Chicken and Peach Kebab Salad

We love chicken and fresh summer peaches, so why not cook and serve them together on a kebab? We use the low-cal yogurt dressing as both a chicken marinade and salad dressing, making this an easy recipe for busy schedules.

Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Peach Kebab Salad

12 /23 Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Coconut Lime Shrimp Skewers

The coconut and lime marinade imparts a lot of flavor to the shrimp. This can be done ahead of time and then put onto skewers when you’re ready to grill them, making it a good choice for entertaining.

Recipe: Coconut Lime Shrimp Skewers
13 /23

Grilled Cilantro and Pistachio Pesto Shrimp Skewers

While we love traditional basil pesto, this inventive take on the summery sauce is a super-tasty marinade for grilled shrimp. Parlay kebabs into tacos by serving with warm tortillas and slaw.

Recipe: Grilled Cilantro and Pistachio Pesto Shrimp Skewers
14 /23

Grilled Watermelon and Shrimp Skewers

Watermelon takes on a smoky flavor and meaty texture when it's grilled, complementing the sweet flavor of jumbo shrimp.

Recipe: Grilled Watermelon and Shrimp Skewers

15 /23 Photo by Iain Bagwell; styling by Randy Mon

Shrimp Skewers with Coconut and Lemongrass Marinade

Bold and rich, like a Malaysian coconut-milk stew, this marinade gives shrimp fast flavor.

Recipe: Shrimp Skewers with Coconut and Lemongrass Marinade

16 /23 Photo by Annabelle Breakey; edited by Amy Machnak

Apricot Shrimp Skewers

We suggest you use slightly under-ripe apricots for these kebabs so the fruit doesn’t slide off the skewer before the shrimp is done cooking.

Recipe: Apricot Shrimp Skewers

17 /23

Rhubarb-Glazed Shrimp

Don’t stop with grilled shrimp: This sweet and sour barbecue sauce promises to be a summer staple, since it’s great on grilled pork chops and chicken too.

Recipe: Rhubarb-Glazed Shrimp

18 /23 Annabelle Breakey

Halibut Kebabs with Grilled Bread and Pancetta

This kebab recipe goes down in history as a Sunset favorite. Threading the pancetta through the cubes of fish and bread creates flavorful bites as you work your way down the skewer.

Recipe: Halibut Kebabs with Grilled Bread and Pancetta
19 /23 Leo Gong

Caramelized Pork Kebabs with Eggplant

The pork and eggplant on these kebabs get a sticky, glazed coating when grilled, which gives the dish a delicious salty-caramelized flavor.

Recipe: Caramelized Pork Kebabs with Chinese Eggplant
20 /23 Annabelle Breakey

Japanese Tofu Skewers on Soba

The smoky flavor of the grill adds a bit of umami to this vegetarian kebab and noodle dinner.

Recipe: Japanese Tofu Skewers on Soba
21 /23 Iain Bagwell

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Kebabs

Meat isn't the only thing that belongs on a stick at a summer BBQ. Enjoy a new spin on strawberry shortcake with these easy dessert kebabs.

Recipe: Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Kebabs
22 /23 Erin Kunkel

Pineapple Satay with Coconut Caramel

Who says skewers have to be savory? These fruit wedges, grilled till smoky, are eaten with a thick, rich sauce of toasted sugar and coconut milk.

Recipe: Pineapple Satay with Coconut Caramel

23 /23 Thomas J. Story

Grilled French Toast Kebabs

French toast on a stick? You bet. This is a fun twist on a favorite breakfast food and works great for camping or backyard slumber parties.

Recipe: Grilled French Toast Kebabs