Why we love them:
Shish kabobs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to prep, fun to assemble, and customizable for every taste or dietary need. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, vegetarians, or meat lovers, kabobs let everyone build their own perfect skewer. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in extra veggies!
Ingredients
(Makes 6–8 skewers, adjust as needed)
For the protein (choose one or mix & match):
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cubed
1 lb beef sirloin or steak, cubed
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 block firm tofu, cubed (optional for vegetarian)
For the veggies:
1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks
1 yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
Cherry tomatoes
Mushrooms
For the marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the protein (and tofu, if using):
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine marinade ingredients. Add cubed protein and toss to coat. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
2. Prep the veggies:
While the protein marinates, wash and chop your vegetables into roughly equal-sized chunks so they cook evenly.
3. Build your kabobs:
Let everyone choose their own ingredients and assemble their skewers. Alternate protein and veggies for a colorful, balanced kabob. (If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.)
4. Grill:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the protein is cooked through.
5. Serve:
Serve with rice, couscous, pita, or a side salad, and your favorite dipping sauces!
Tips
– Kids love making their own skewers, just supervise younger ones with sharp sticks!
– You can also cook these in the oven (broil on high for 10–12 minutes, turning once).
– Make it a theme night: Greek-style (with tzatziki), Mexican (with lime & chili), or Asian-inspired (with teriyaki).
