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This barbecue skewer recipe transforms ordinary grilling into a feast with three mouthwatering variations. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or simply want to elevate your dinner game, these skewers deliver bold flavors with minimal effort. The combination of sweet-spicy shrimp, richly spiced lamb, and tangy chicken options ensures there's something for everyone at your table.
I developed these skewers for my family's annual summer cookout after years of trying to please everyone's tastes. Now instead of making separate main courses, these three options satisfy all our guests while giving me time to actually enjoy the party instead of being stuck at the grill all evening.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Skewers
- Pineapple: Provides sweet juicy contrast to the spicy shrimp and caramelizes beautifully on the grill
- Jumbo shrimp: Offer the perfect meaty texture and won't overcook as quickly as smaller sizes
- Mike's Hot Honey: Creates a delicious sweet heat glaze that complements both the shrimp and pineapple
- Old Bay seasoning: Adds that classic seafood flavor profile with complex spices
- Chili pepper: Brings additional heat that balances the sweetness of the honey and pineapple
- Fresh lime juice: Brightens everything with essential acidity
For the Lamb Skewers
- Lamb stew meat: Is already cut into chunks and has the perfect fat content for juicy skewers
- Yellow and green zucchini: Add color variation and a tender vegetable component
- Olive oil: Helps distribute the spices and prevents sticking
- Berbere spice: Provides an Ethiopian inspired warm complex flavor
- Salt and pepper: Enhance all the flavors and are essential for properly seasoned meat
For the Chicken Skewers
- Chicken breasts: Provide a lean protein option that takes on barbecue flavor beautifully
- Red onion: Adds sharp flavor that mellows and sweetens when grilled
- Mushrooms: Absorb the barbecue sauce while adding meaty texture
- Barbecue sauce: Creates that classic smoky sweet flavor everyone loves
- Salt and pepper: Are essential for properly seasoning the meat before grilling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp Skewers:
- Cut pineapple into uniform bite sized pieces ensuring they will cook evenly alongside the shrimp. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels which is crucial for proper browning and to prevent steaming. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl gently tossing until everything is evenly coated with the honey spice mixture. Thread alternating pieces of pineapple and shrimp onto skewers leaving small spaces between each piece to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Prepare Lamb Skewers:
- Cut lamb into consistent bite sized pieces checking that none are too large which would result in uneven cooking. Slice zucchini into half inch rounds which is the perfect thickness to cook in the same time as the lamb. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl using a gentle touch to avoid breaking the zucchini while ensuring even distribution of the berbere spice blend. Thread alternating pieces of lamb and zucchini onto skewers keeping small spaces between each item for heat circulation.
- Prepare Chicken Skewers:
- Cut chicken breasts into uniform chunks about 1.5 inches each which ensures they will cook through without drying out. Prepare onions in chunky pieces and keep them separate from initial mixing to maintain their structural integrity. Toss chicken and mushrooms with barbecue sauce until thoroughly coated before adding the onions. Either dip onion pieces in sauce before skewering or brush them after assembly to ensure they get proper flavor coverage.
- Grill the Skewers:
- Preheat your grill to exactly 400°F which provides the perfect temperature for searing the outside while allowing the inside to cook properly. Place skewers on clean grill grates leaving space between each for proper heat circulation and to prevent flavors from mingling. Close the grill lid to maintain consistent temperature and create convection cooking. Turn skewers occasionally for even browning but avoid excessive flipping which can cause food to fall off. Check internal temperatures with a meat thermometer ensuring lamb reaches 145°F and chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Serve with Finishing Touches:
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 2 minutes allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Give the shrimp skewers a fresh squeeze of lime just before serving to brighten the flavors. Taste test the lamb skewers and add additional salt and pepper if needed as the intense cooking can sometimes diminish seasoning. Brush chicken skewers with a fresh coating of barbecue sauce for a glossy appealing finish and extra flavor boost.
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The berbere spice in the lamb skewers completely transformed how my family views lamb. My brother who claimed to hate lamb for twenty years actually went back for seconds after trying these skewers at our last cookout. The combination of the Ethiopian spice blend with the slight char from the grill creates a flavor that converts even the most hesitant eaters.
Make Ahead Options
These skewers offer excellent make ahead potential for stress free entertaining. You can assemble all three varieties up to 24 hours before cooking and store them covered in the refrigerator. The marination time actually improves the flavor especially for the chicken and lamb options. Just remove them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling to take the chill off for more even cooking. This preparation flexibility makes these perfect for parties where you want to minimize last minute cooking stress.
Indoor Cooking Alternative
No access to an outdoor grill? These skewers adapt beautifully to indoor cooking methods. Use a cast iron grill pan over medium high heat working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Alternatively broil them on a foil lined sheet pan positioned 6 inches from the heating element turning halfway through cooking. The cooking time remains approximately the same but keep a closer eye on them as indoor methods can sometimes cook more quickly than outdoor grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Create a complete feast by serving these skewers with complementary sides. For the shrimp skewers pair with coconut rice to enhance the tropical flavors. The lamb skewers work beautifully alongside a simple cucumber yogurt sauce and warm flatbread. The chicken skewers naturally complement classic barbecue sides like coleslaw or potato salad. For a gorgeous presentation arrange all three varieties on a large wooden serving board garnished with fresh herbs lemon wedges and small bowls of additional sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What grilling temperature works best for these skewers?
Preheat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F, for evenly cooked skewers with a smoky flavor.
- → How can I ensure the lamb and chicken are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. Lamb should reach 145°F and chicken 165°F internally before serving.
- → What’s the best way to prepare the shrimp?
Toss shrimp with pineapple, honey, lime juice, and spices. Skewer them together for a flavorful combination.
- → Should wooden skewers be soaked before use?
Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- → Can I use other vegetables for these skewers?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant are great alternatives to zucchini and onions.