Learn how to make shish kabobs, also spelled “shish kebabs,” with this easy shish kabob recipe. A flavor-packed marinade made from basic pantry staples makes these steak kabobs unbelievably juicy and delicious–perfect for your summer BBQs!
Shish kabobs, hot off the grill with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad and Mediterranean dips like baba ganoush, tzatziki, and hummus is my idea of the perfect summer party.
In the Middle East and the Mediterranean, shish kabobs are synonymous with gathering together to enjoy a meal. When I have friends or family coming over, I love to make skewers with whatever looks best at my market. I skewer classics like chicken, shrimp, lamb and pork, to Brussels sprouts and even frozen chocolate-covered grapes (recipe on YouTube). There’s just something about food on a stick that brings a festive feeling to any party!
This shish kabob recipe uses an aromatic spice rub packed with warming Mediterranean spices like nutmeg, allspice, and paprika. Red wine and lemon add depth, and the meat tenderizes as it soaks–allow a few hours to marinate in your fridge for the best results. From there, less than 10 minutes on the grill and these shish kabobs are juicy, incredibly tasty, and perfectly charred.
We build big flavor with a homemade spice rub made with what’s likely already living in your spice drawer. Here’s what you’ll need to make this shish kabob recipe:
Shish kebabs are traditionally lamb or mutton, but you can make kebabs with everything from beef tenderloin to chicken breasts to quick-cooking veggies like cherry tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, and zucchini. In Turkey and Greece, kılıç şiş is made with cubes of swordfish.
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Best Meat for Shish Kabobs
The best meat for shish kabobs is a cut that’s both tender and flavorful, which can be trickier than it sounds. Here are the best steaks for this shish kabob recipe:
- Beef tenderloin: My favorite cut for shish kabobs, as it stays tender without much work. It’s not quite as robust in flavor as other cuts of meat, so I like to marinate it for a couple of hours in the fridge. The downside, though, is that its fairly expensive, so feel free to substitute with a more economical cut. The marinade in this recipe is so good you don’t necessarily need to splurge.
- Sirloin: I particularly like “sirloin tip” if it’s available. Sirloin is less expensive and is a good option because of its big beefy flavor. Allow at least 2 hours in the marinade (refrigerated) to tenderize the meat.
- I don’t recommend: chuck steak. I avoid this cut of meat when it comes to kabobs. While its a flavorful cut of meat, it can be way too tough and chewy for kabobs.
How to Make Shish Kabobs
To make shish kebabs, make sure you give yourself enough time to allow the meat to marinate for the best flavor. Two to four hours is ideal, but 30 minutes does the trick if you’re short on time. Here’s how to make shish kabobs:
Easy Beef Shish Kebabs – How to Make The Easiest Way
FAQ
What’s the difference between kabob and shish kebab?
What is a common meat used in kabobs?
Is shish kebab meat healthy?
What is the most common meat in kebabs?
What is a shish kebab made of?
A shish kebab typically consists of meat and vegetables on a skewer and is usually grilled. It can contain lamb, beef, fish, or chicken as well as vegetables like green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Sometimes shish kebabs feature only meat.
Where does shish kebab come from?
A similar meat-only dish called chicken satay or sate is found in Thai, Indonesian, Singaporean, and Malaysian cuisines. The term shish kebab comes from the Turkish words şiş kebap that mean “skewer” and “roast meat,” and shish kebab is a signature Turkish meal. Kebabs were a natural dietary solution for nomadic tribes in what’s now Turkey.
How do you cook shish kebabs?
Take the meat from the marinade and thread it onto skewers. For Shish Kebabs, metal skewers are easier to work with and will hold more weight than bamboo. Start and end each kebab with meat and use the vegetables to space the meat apart. This helps the meat cook evenly. Shish Kebabs are best grilled over high heat.
Is shish kebab a meat-only dish?
It can contain lamb, beef, fish, or chicken as well as vegetables like green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Sometimes shish kebabs feature only meat. A similar meat-only dish called chicken satay or sate is found in Thai, Indonesian, Singaporean, and Malaysian cuisines.