Can I make Smoky Summer Grilling Skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep and marinate the protein up to 24 hours in advance. The skewers can then be threaded a few hours before grilling and kept chilled in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.

What's the best way to get a good smoky flavor?

Using smoked paprika in the marinade is key to that signature taste. For an authentic, deep smoky flavor, I recommend adding wood chips to your grill or using a smoker box.

My veggies are burning before the meat is cooked. What can I do?

Ensure your veggies are cut to similar sizes as the protein for even cooking. If some items consistently cook faster, consider threading them onto separate skewers so you can remove them from the grill earlier.

How do I prevent my skewers from sticking to the grill?

Always clean your grill grates thoroughly before cooking. Then, oil them lightly just before placing your Smoky Summer Grilling Skewers on. Also, avoid flipping them too early; let a good sear develop first.

Can I cook these in the oven or on a stovetop?

Yes, you can! To oven-roast, arrange them on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. Alternatively, you can pan-fry the components separately on the stovetop.

What kind of skewers should I use?

Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat well, which helps with cooking. If you opt for wooden skewers for your Smoky Summer Grilling Skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning.

Smoky Summer Grilling Skewers: Quick & Tasty Family Meals

Name: Smoky Summer Grilling Skewers
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Proteins: 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken breast or thighs, beef sirloin, pork tenderloin, or large shrimp, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes; Veggies: 2 bell peppers (any color, cored and cut into 1-inch/2.5 cm pieces); 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) wedges; 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thick rounds; 1 pint (450g) cherry tomatoes; Marinade Base: 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce; Smoky Spices: 1 tbsp (15ml) smoked paprika; 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5ml) onion powder; 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) ground cumin; 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper; 1 tsp (5ml) salt

Description

Irresistible, simple Smoky Summer Grilling Skewers bursting with flavor. Customizable with proteins & veggies, perfect for busy families.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins: 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken breast or thighs, beef sirloin, pork tenderloin, or large shrimp, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
Veggies: 2 bell peppers (any color, cored and cut into 1-inch/2.5 cm pieces)
1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) wedges
1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thick rounds
1 pint (450g) cherry tomatoes
Marinade Base: 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
Smoky Spices: 1 tbsp (15ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5ml) onion powder
1/2 tsp (2.5ml) ground cumin
1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper
1 tsp (5ml) salt

Instructions

Prep Proteins (15 min): Cut your chosen protein into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Whisk Marinade (5 min): In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), soy sauce (or Worcestershire), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Marinate (30 min – 4 hours): Add the prepared protein to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours (8 hours for beef).
Prep Veggies (10 min): While protein marinates, cut bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini into similar 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Cherry tomatoes stay whole.
Thread Skewers (15-20 min): Thread protein and veggies onto skewers, alternating. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior.
Preheat Grill (10 min): Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F / 200-230°C). Clean and lightly oil grates.
Grill Skewers (10-15 min): Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until protein is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp with grill marks.

Notes

Optional Add-ins & Swaps:

Add-ins: Try adding 1 cup (150g) pineapple chunks, 1 cup (150g) whole button mushrooms, or 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces of corn on the cob.
Swaps: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free option, or a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Experiment with herbs like oregano or thyme.

Variations:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
Citrus Boost: Squeeze fresh lime juice over finished skewers.
Veggie Only: Create all-vegetable skewers by marinating veggies for about 20 minutes before grilling.

Troubleshooting:

Sticking? Ensure grates are clean and well-oiled.
Uneven cooking? Cut ingredients to similar sizes and avoid overcrowding the grill.

Storage & Reheating:

Fridge: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Remove ingredients from skewers, store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a microwave, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or briefly on the grill.

Tips for Perfect Skewers:

Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between pieces on the skewer for even cooking.
Rest the Meat: Let cooked protein rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicier results.
Wood Chips: For extra smoky flavor, add pre-soaked wood chips (hickory or mesquite) to your grill.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper in the marinade.

Allergy & Dietary Notes:

Gluten-Free: Ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free, or swap for tamari or coconut aminos.
Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Nut-Free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Vegetarian: Easily make all-veggie skewers, potentially adding halloumi cheese or firm tofu.

Safety:

Always cook protein to safe internal temperatures (165°F/74°C for poultry, 145°F/63°C for beef/pork for medium-rare).
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and fresh produce to prevent cross-contamination.

Note: Nutritional data is an estimate as it was not provided in the original article.

Prep Time: 80 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Skewer
Calories: 290
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Smoky Summer Grilling Skewers