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

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

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

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

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

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

Recipe: Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Pistachio-Mint Salsa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recipe: Shrimp Skewers with Coconut and Lemongrass Marinade

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

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

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

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

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

Recipe: Japanese Tofu Skewers on Soba

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

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

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