11 Delicious Grilled Skewer Recipes: Chicken, Shrimp, Tofu & Beef

The best BBQ grilled skewer recipes and ideas from around the web — from steak and shrimp to tofu, pork, chicken, and vibrant vegetable combinations.

Nothing announces summer like a tray of sizzling BBQ skewers. Versatile and full of smoky flavor, skewers can be made with meats, seafood, tofu, and colorful vegetables — all ideal for quick grilling and easy entertaining.

Below are 11 standout skewer ideas that showcase bold marinades, bright ingredients, and simple techniques that deliver maximum flavor in minimum time. Whether you’re serving beef kebabs, shrimp skewers, or plant-based options, these recipes are crowd-pleasing and simple to prepare.

Let’s fire up the grill.

Grilled Steak and Asparagus Kabobs

Asparagus grills beautifully: it softens, chars at the edges, and gains a bright, nutty flavor. Paired with marinated New York strip or another tender steak, this combination balances meaty richness with crisp vegetable freshness. A simple herb-and-garlic marinade enhances the steak while keeping the asparagus vibrant.

Shrimp Skewers

Smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet shrimp skewers make an excellent appetizer or main. Quick to marinate and even quicker to cook, grilled shrimp develop a satisfying char and hold up well on skewers. Finish with a squeeze of citrus for brightness.

BBQ Chicken Pineapple Kabobs with Bacon

Sweet pineapple, smoky bacon, and tender chicken are a classic skewer trio. The pineapple adds caramelized sweetness as it grills, while bacon brings fat and smoke that keep the chicken juicy. A generous brush of barbecue sauce at the end amplifies the savory-sweet contrast.

Grilled Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers

Using juicy chicken thigh pieces gives these skewers a deep flavor and tender texture. A spicy BBQ marinade soaks into the meat before grilling, and extra sauce added while cooking creates glossy, caramelized bites that are finger-licking good.

Grilled Barbecue Tofu

Firm tofu soaks up a smoky, tangy barbecue marinade and grills until the edges char, creating a satisfying texture. These skewers come together quickly and pair well with vegetable kebabs or a fresh salad. A bold sauce ensures great flavor for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Sausage and Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Combining smoky sausage with seasoned shrimp creates robust, hands-off skewers that are ideal for a party. The sausage adds richness and a sturdy base while the shrimp bring a bright, briny contrast. A light dusting of barbecue seasoning or a tangy glaze ties the ingredients together.

Bourbon Bacon Barbecue Chicken Kebabs

Bacon paste or strips, bourbon-laced barbecue sauce, and a touch of smoked paprika turn ordinary chicken into decadent skewers. These kebabs develop deep flavor whether you broil or roast them, and a vinegar-based finishing sauce adds balance to the richness.

Honey Garlic Bacon Wrapped Chicken Kabobs

Tender chicken tenders wrapped in bacon and glazed with honey-lime garlic produce juicy, flavor-packed skewers. Chicken tenders cook quickly and remain exceptionally moist, making them a perfect choice for fast, crowd-pleasing kabobs.

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

Thai-style marinades with coconut cream, soy, garlic, and ginger give these chicken skewers a fragrant, tropical profile. Grilling adds subtle smokiness while a sweet coconut glaze and a dipping peanut sauce make them irresistible.

Grilled Steak Kebabs

Classic steak kebabs bring together marinated beef, onions, and tri-color bell peppers for an eye-catching platter. A savory mix of soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper enhances the steak, while the vegetables char and sweeten on the grill.

Mediterranean Grilled Tofu

Mediterranean-spiced tofu kebabs are quick, versatile, and ideal with creamy hummus and warm pita. A bright herb-and-lemon marinade chars beautifully on the grill and pairs well with salads, grains, or a simple yogurt dip.