Kabobs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser: portable, customizable, and perfect for grilling, roasting, or even indoor broiling. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a casual weeknight dinner, or looking for an elegant appetizer, these 17 unique kabob creations span global flavors and unexpected ingredients. Each recipe pairs vibrant marinades, fresh herbs, and creative accompaniments to elevate simple skewers into memorable dishes. Grab your skewers and fire up the grill—these kabobs will inspire you to experiment and delight guests at every occasion.
Moroccan-Spiced Lamb and Apricot Kabobs
Chunks of tender lamb leg are marinated in a fragrant blend of ras el hanout, garlic, olive oil, and a hint of preserved lemon. Threaded alternately with dried apricots and red onion, they’re grilled until edges caramelize and the fruit begins to soften. The sweet-tart apricots balance the warm spices, creating a kabob that’s both exotic and comforting. Serve with harissa yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh mint for an unforgettable Mediterranean feast.
Get the recipe on: Moroccan-Spiced Lamb and Apricot Kabobs
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Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Juicy chicken breast cubes soak up a homemade teriyaki glaze packed with soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and garlic. Skewered alongside charred pineapple rings and bell peppers, they’re fired on the grill until the glaze becomes sticky and the chicken is tender. The sweet pineapple juices mingle with the savory-sweet sauce for a taste of the islands at your next cookout. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions before serving. Get the recipe on: Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Greek Lamb and Tzatziki Kabobs
Ground lamb is mixed with oregano, garlic, and crumbled feta, then shaped into meatballs and grilled until lightly charred. Paired on skewers with zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes, they’re served alongside cool cucumber-dill tzatziki. This Greek-inspired spin transforms classic souvlaki into an elegant bite that’s perfect for entertaining or a casual dinner. Get the recipe on: Greek Lamb and Tzatziki Kabobs
Harissa Shrimp and Vegetable Kabobs
Large shrimp are tossed in fiery harissa paste, olive oil, and lemon juice, then skewered with red onion, zucchini, and heirloom cherry tomatoes. Grilled until the shrimp curl and vegetables soften, they’re finished with a drizzle of preserved lemon vinaigrette. The spicy North African seasoning melds beautifully with charred veggies, making these kabobs an exotic starter or main dish.
Get the recipe on: Harissa Shrimp and Vegetable Kabobs
Honey Soy Tofu
Honey Soy Tofu is a flavorful, satisfying dish that beautifully balances sweet, salty, and umami flavors with a tender yet crispy texture. It’s a go-to option for plant-based meals that doesn’t sacrifice richness or depth. The tofu is typically pressed to remove excess moisture, cut into bite-sized cubes, and lightly pan-fried or baked until golden and crisp on the outside. This creates a slightly chewy exterior with a soft, creamy interior.The magic of this dish lies in the glaze — a luscious combination of soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version), garlic, and a hint of ginger. As the tofu cooks, it’s tossed in this glossy, sticky sauce that caramelizes slightly, coating each piece with a sweet-savory glaze that’s packed with flavor. The soy sauce brings saltiness and depth, while the honey adds warmth and sweetness, and the garlic and ginger offer a gentle kick. Get the recipe on: Honey Soy Tofu
Chimichurri Steak Kabobs
Sirloin steak cubes are marinated in vibrant chimichurri—parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil—then skewered with poblano pepper chunks and red onion. Grilled to your preferred doneness, they’re finished with extra chimichurri spooned on top. The fresh herb sauce infuses each bite with bold, tangy flavor, perfect for pairing with grilled corn and crusty bread.
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Jamaican Pork Skewers
Jamaican Pork Skewers are a bold, flavorful dish bursting with the vibrant spices and aromas of Caribbean cuisine. These skewers are typically made with tender cubes of pork shoulder or loin, marinated in a rich blend of traditional Jamaican seasonings before being grilled to smoky, caramelized perfection. The marinade is the soul of this dish—usually a lively mix of allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, scallions, lime juice, and Scotch bonnet peppers, giving the pork its signature heat, warmth, and complexity. Get the recipe on: Jamaican Pork Skewers
Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Mushrooms
Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Mushrooms is a mouthwatering dish that pairs the salty, squeaky bite of halloumi with the earthy, umami-rich flavor of grilled mushrooms. It’s a simple yet elegant combination that brings together two robust ingredients that shine on the grill. Halloumi, a firm cheese originally from Cyprus, is ideal for grilling thanks to its high melting point—when seared, it develops a golden, crispy crust while staying warm and chewy inside. Get the recipe on: Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Mushrooms
Mexican Al Pastor Pineapple Pork Kabobs
Thin slices of pork shoulder are marinated in a blend of achiote paste, pineapple juice, guajillo chiles, and spices, then wrapped around skewers with fresh pineapple chunks and onion wedges. Grilled until the edges crisp and the pork juices mingle with the sweet fruit, these kabobs evoke the flavors of tacos al pastor—serve with warm tortillas and cilantro for a festive feast.
Get the recipe on: Mexican Al Pastor Pineapple Pork Kabobs
Indian Tandoori Chicken Kabobs
Chicken thighs are coated in a spiced yogurt marinade—garam masala, turmeric, cumin, ginger, and garlic—then threaded with bell pepper pieces and red onion. Grilled or broiled until the yogurt chars slightly, they release intoxicating aromas of Indian spices. Pair with cooling cucumber-raita and naan for a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal at home. Get the recipe on: Indian Tandoori Chicken Kabobs
Greek Shrimp and Olive Kabobs
Shrimp are marinated in lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and olive oil, then skewered with Kalamata olives and feta-stuffed cherry peppers. Char-grilled until shrimp are pink and firm, these kabobs are drizzled with extra olive oil and fresh oregano. A taste of the Aegean, perfect for summer entertaining or Mediterranean-themed dinners. Get the recipe on: Greek Shrimp and Olive Kabobs
Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef Kabobs
Thin slices of flank steak are marinated in lemongrass paste, fish sauce, garlic, and brown sugar, then threaded onto flat skewers with scallions. Grilled quickly over high heat, they develop caramelized edges and an irresistible tang. Serve with pickled carrots and daikon, fresh herbs, and rice vermicelli for a banh mi–inspired feast on skewers. Get the recipe on: Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef Kabobs
Brazilian-Style Beef and Pineapple Kabobs
Sirloin cubes are seasoned with sea salt and grilled alongside sweet pineapple chunks and chunks of red bell pepper. Sprinkled with chimichurri verde before serving, these kabobs offer the simplicity and bold contrasts of a Brazilian churrasco—meaty, sweet, and herbaceous all at once.
Get the recipe on: Brazilian-Style Beef and Pineapple Kabobs
Mediterranean Vegetable Kabobs
Mediterranean Vegetable Kabobs are a colorful, healthy, and flavor-packed dish that celebrates the natural beauty and taste of fresh vegetables grilled to perfection. These kabobs typically feature a vibrant mix of Mediterranean staples like zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and eggplant, all skewered and marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Get the recipe on: Mediterranean Vegetable Kabobs
Korean Bulgogi Beef Kabobs
Thinly sliced ribeye is marinated in a sweet-savory mixture of soy sauce, pear puree, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Skewered and grilled quickly, the beef caramelizes and picks up smoky char. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions, and serve with kimchi and steamed rice for an authentic Korean barbecue experience. Get the recipe on: Korean Bulgogi Beef Kabobs
Caribbean Jerk Tofu and Mango Kabobs
Cubed tofu is pressed and marinated in a spicy jerk paste, then threaded with fresh mango, red onion, and bell pepper. Grilled until the tofu crisps and picks up char, these kabobs balance heat, sweetness, and acidity. Serve with coconut-lime rice and a wedge of lime for a flavorful vegetarian twist on a Caribbean classic. Get the recipe on: Caribbean Jerk Tofu and Mango Kabobs
Greek Kofta Kebabs
Greek Kofta Kebabs are a savory, aromatic dish made from ground meat—typically lamb, beef, or a mixture of both—blended with traditional Mediterranean spices and herbs, then shaped onto skewers and grilled or broiled to perfection. These kebabs are deeply flavorful, juicy on the inside, and slightly crisp on the outside, offering a deliciously satisfying bite that captures the essence of Greek comfort food. Get the recipe on: Greek Kofta Kebabs
These 17 kabob creations span continents and cooking styles—each delivering unique combinations of marinades, proteins, fruits, and vegetables. From fiery Caribbean jerk to delicate Mediterranean flavors, there’s a skewered delight here for every palate and event. Use this guide to expand your grilling repertoire, surprise guests, or simply indulge in the endless possibilities that kabobs have to offer.
