Kebabs (or kabobs) are the perfect summer grilling staple—juicy, smoky, colorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re craving classic meat skewers, veggie-packed options, or exotic Turkish kofta, these six recipes deliver restaurant-quality results at home. From tender marinated beef and chicken to spiced ground lamb kofta and garlicky shrimp, this collection has something for everyone: meat lovers, vegetarians, and seafood fans alike.
Fire up the grill and get ready for juicy, charred perfection. These easy kebab recipes are ideal for backyard BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Let’s dive in!
1. Classic Beef Kebabs – Juicy, Marinated & Smoky
Tender beef cubes marinated in garlic-soy-lemon goodness, threaded with colorful veggies.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or sirloin tip), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 yellow bell pepper (optional for extra color)
- Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Whisk marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add beef cubes; toss to coat. Marinate 2–8 hours in the fridge.
- Soak wooden skewers in water 30 minutes (or use metal).
- Thread beef, bell peppers, and onions alternately onto skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400–450°F). Oil grates.
- Grill 10–12 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until beef reaches 135–145°F (medium-rare to medium).
- Rest 5 minutes. Serve with tzatziki, rice, or pita.
Pro Tip: For extra char, finish over direct high heat for 1–2 minutes.
2. Chicken Kebabs – Bright, Herby & Family-Friendly
Light, flavorful chicken skewers with a paprika-lemon kick—perfect for kids and crowds.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thigh, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chunked
- 1 red onion, wedged
- Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine marinade; add chicken. Marinate 1–4 hours.
- Thread chicken and veggies onto skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat 10–14 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Rest briefly. Serve with garlic sauce or salad.
3. Lamb Kebabs – Tender, Yogurt-Marinated Mediterranean Style
Rich lamb cubes in a yogurt-spice marinade for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb lamb (leg or shoulder), cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chunked
- 1 red onion, wedged
- Marinade:
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Mix marinade; coat lamb. Refrigerate 4–12 hours.
- Skewer with veggies.
- Grill 12–15 minutes, turning, to 145°F (medium).
- Serve with couscous and mint yogurt.
4. Veggie Kebabs – Colorful, Healthy & Grill-Ready
A rainbow of vegetables marinated in Italian herbs—great as a side or main.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1 red bell pepper, chunked
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chunked
- 1 zucchini, thick slices
- 1 red onion, wedged
- 8 mushrooms, whole or halved
- Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Toss veggies in marinade; let sit 30–60 minutes.
- Thread onto skewers.
- Grill 10–12 minutes, turning, until tender and charred.
- Serve with hummus or balsamic glaze.
5. Turkish Kofta Kebabs – Spiced Ground Lamb Skewers
Authentic Turkish-style spiced ground meat formed around skewers—juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1 lb ground lamb
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Knead 2–3 minutes.
- Divide into portions; mold around soaked skewers into sausage shapes.
- Grill over medium-high 10–12 minutes, turning, until cooked (160°F).
- Serve with flatbread, sumac onions, and yogurt.
Tip: Chill shaped kofta 30 minutes before grilling to hold shape.
6. Shrimp Kebabs – Quick, Garlicky & Lemon-Infused
Succulent shrimp with veggies in a bright paprika-lemon marinade—ready in minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chunked
- Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Marinate shrimp and peppers 20–40 minutes.
- Thread shrimp and pepper alternately (shrimp on ends to prevent spinning).
- Grill 6–8 minutes, turning once, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Serve with lemon wedges and rice.
Grilling Kebab Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
- Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Cut ingredients uniformly for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd skewers—space for char.
- Oil grates well; use medium-high heat.
- Use a meat thermometer for safety.
- Rest meat 3–5 minutes after grilling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bake these kebabs instead of grilling?
A: Yes—bake at 425°F on a wire rack-lined sheet 15–25 minutes (depending on protein), flipping halfway. Broil 2 minutes at end for char.
Q: How long can I marinate the meat?
A: Chicken & beef: 2–8 hours. Lamb: up to 24 hours. Shrimp: max 30–60 minutes (acid can “cook” it). Veggies: 30 minutes to overnight.
Q: Are these recipes gluten-free?
A: Most are naturally GF—swap soy sauce for tamari in beef marinade and use GF breadcrumbs in kofta.
Q: What sides pair best with kebabs?
A: Rice pilaf, tabbouleh, tzatziki, grilled pita, Greek salad, or roasted potatoes.
Q: How do I prevent kebabs from sticking or falling apart?
A: Oil grates, don’t overcrowd, and for kofta, chill shaped skewers before grilling.
Conclusion
These six grilled kebab recipes—beef, chicken, lamb, veggie, Turkish kofta, and shrimp—bring bold Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors to your table with minimal effort. Juicy, smoky, and packed with veggies and spices, they’re perfect for summer cookouts, casual dinners, or entertaining. Fire up the grill, mix up a marinade, and enjoy the compliments. Which kebab will you try first? Share your favorites or twists in the comments below—happy grilling!