If you love the vibrant, smoky flavors of grilled food and enjoy variety on your plate, the Barbecue Skewers – 3 Ways Recipe is an absolute game changer. This recipe brings together three distinct, mouthwatering combinations: juicy shrimp with a sweet and spicy pineapple glaze, hearty lamb with fresh zucchini kissed by berbere spice, and tender chicken paired with earthy mushrooms in tangy barbecue sauce. Each skewer offers its own exciting burst of flavor and texture, making this recipe perfect for sharing with friends or family over a sunny summer cookout or a cozy indoor grill session.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Barbecue Skewers – 3 Ways Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to enhance flavor, add appealing texture, and fill the plate with color and nutrition. Here’s what you’ll gather before you get started:
- 1 pineapple: Provides juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with spicy shrimp.
- 40 jumbo shrimp: These are the star protein of the first skewer, quick-cooking and naturally flavorful.
- 2 tbsp. Mike’s Hot Honey: Delivers a perfect balance of sweet heat to liven up the shrimp.
- 2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning: Classic seasoning for seafood that adds depth and a little zing.
- 1 tsp. chili pepper: Adds a mild heat that complements the tropical pineapple.
- 2 limes: Their juice brightens flavors and helps tenderize meats.
- 2 pounds lamb stew meat: Rich and flavorful, ideal for soak-up seasonings and charred grilling.
- 2 yellow zucchini: Adds freshness and a subtle sweetness that balances lamb.
- 2 green zucchini: Provides a colorful contrast and moisture to the skewers.
- 4 tbsp. olive oil: A must for coating ingredients to keep them juicy and prevent sticking.
- 4 tsp. berbere spice: Ethiopian spice blend that delivers warm, smoky, and slightly spicy notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out natural flavors.
- 4 chicken breasts: Lean and tender, perfect for absorbing the barbecue sauce marinade.
- 1 red onion: Adds sharpness and sweetness when grilled alongside chicken.
- 16 oz. mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, these balance the chicken’s tenderness.
- ½ cup barbecue sauce: Brings tangy, smoky richness to the chicken skewers.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, herbal garnish that finishes each skewer beautifully.
How to Make Barbecue Skewers – 3 Ways Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Skewers
Start by cutting the pineapple into chunks and placing them in a large bowl with the jumbo shrimp. Add Mike’s Hot Honey, Old Bay seasoning, chili pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice. Toss everything gently to combine the sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavors. Thread the shrimp and pineapple alternately onto skewers for that perfect balance of juicy fruit and succulent seafood in every bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Lamb Skewers
Slice the yellow and green zucchini to match the size of your lamb pieces so they cook evenly. In a bowl, toss the lamb stew meat with olive oil, berbere spice, salt, and pepper. Add the zucchini slices and ensure everything is coated with the fragrant seasoning blend. Thread the lamb and zucchini onto skewers alternating between the meat and vegetable for a satisfying, colorful presentation.
Step 3: Create the Chicken Skewers
Cube the chicken breasts and toss them in barbecue sauce to coat every piece in tangy goodness. Slice the red onion into wedges and clean the mushrooms before you start assembling. Alternate chicken, mushrooms, and onion on your skewers, allowing the smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce to mingle with the earthiness of the mushrooms and the caramelized onion after grilling.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high and arrange all the skewers on the grates. Grill them for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a beautiful char on all sides. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque, the lamb will be tender with a hint of spice, and the chicken will be juicy with caramelized edges. Once cooked through, sprinkle fresh parsley over the skewers for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Barbecue Skewers – 3 Ways Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro uplift each skewer with brightness and a fragrant finish. You can also add a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over just before eating, which enlivens the smoky flavors beautifully. A light drizzle of extra Mike’s Hot Honey or a dash of chili flakes adds an optional spicy kick if you like things a bit bolder.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple to complement rather than compete with the bold skewers. Think grilled corn on the cob with butter, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or fluffy couscous to soak up any delicious juices. Roasted potatoes or a cool coleslaw with a tangy dressing also pair brilliantly to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive feast, serve your skewers on a large wooden board or platter layered with fresh greens and lemon wedges for added color and freshness. You can also lay them over a bed of grilled flatbreads or pita with a side of tzatziki or garlic yogurt dip, turning your barbecue into a fun, shareable experience. Don’t forget to set out small bowls of extra sauces and spices for personalized flavor boosts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra skewers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the different skewer types separated or wrapped individually to preserve their unique flavors and textures. This way, you’ll have a quick, flavorful snack or meal ready for reheating.
Freezing
To freeze leftovers, remove skewers from the sticks to avoid splinters and wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place them in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to retain moisture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warm throughout. Alternatively, use a grill or stovetop pan to restore some of the original char and smoky flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can make the proteins rubbery and the vegetables soggy.
FAQs
Can I use wooden skewers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just remember to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
What if I don’t have berbere spice?
If you can’t find berbere spice, you can substitute with a mix of smoked paprika, cayenne, ground cumin, and garlic powder to approximate the warm, smoky vibe it provides.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the proteins for hearty vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, or tofu. Just marinate them in your favorite seasonings and follow the same grilling instructions.
How long do the skewers take to cook on the grill?
All skewers generally take about 15 to 20 minutes on medium-high heat. Rotate them every few minutes to ensure even grilling and prevent burning.
Is it necessary to marinate the meat and shrimp?
Marinating isn’t required but highly recommended, as it infuses the skewers with deeper flavors and helps keep the proteins juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Barbecue Skewers – 3 Ways Recipe is a celebration of flavor and fun that I’m excited for you to try. With three unique and irresistible variations, it turns any meal into a memorable gathering filled with bold tastes and vibrant colors. Whether you’re an experienced griller or just looking to spice up your next cookout, these skewers are sure to delight every palate at your table. Grab your skewers and grill on!
Print
Barbecue Skewers – 3 Ways Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (approximately 18 skewers)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe features three different barbecue skewers—shrimp, lamb, and chicken—each bursting with unique flavors and easy to prepare. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts, these skewers combine fresh ingredients and bold seasonings to create a delicious, versatile meal that serves six people and offers approximately 18 skewers in total.
Ingredients
Shrimp Skewers
- 1 pineapple, cut into chunks
- 40 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Mike’s Hot Honey
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp chili pepper
- 2 limes, juiced
Lamb Skewers
- 2 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 yellow zucchini, sliced
- 2 green zucchini, sliced
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tsp berbere spice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chicken Skewers
- 4 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 16 oz mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp Skewers: In a bowl, combine pineapple chunks with jumbo shrimp, Mike’s Hot Honey, Old Bay seasoning, chili pepper, and lime juice. Mix well to coat the shrimp and pineapple evenly. Skewer the shrimp and pineapple alternately onto sticks to ensure balanced cooking.
- Prepare Lamb Skewers: In a large bowl, toss the lamb stew meat with yellow and green zucchini slices. Add olive oil, berbere spice, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to season the ingredients. Thread the lamb and zucchini pieces onto skewers, arranging them evenly.
- Prepare Chicken Skewers: Combine chicken breast chunks with sliced mushrooms and barbecue sauce in a bowl. Toss to coat all pieces well. Skewer the chicken and mushrooms alternately with red onion chunks for added flavor and color.
- Grill Skewers: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place all prepared skewers on the grill and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Skewers are done when shrimp turn pink and opaque, lamb is tender, and chicken is cooked through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of chili pepper and berbere spice to suit your taste.
- You can substitute lamb with beef or pork if preferred.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- For an indoor option, you can cook skewers on a grill pan over stovetop heat.
