Are you looking for a fun, flavorful, and easy dinner idea that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a summer barbecue? Look no further than meat on a stick! These delicious skewers, also known as kebabs, offer endless possibilities for customization and are surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, pork, or lamb, this guide will walk you through creating mouthwatering meat on a stick recipes your whole family will love. From quick dinner ideas to healthy meals, these recipes are perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced grill masters. Get ready to fire up the grill (or your oven) for some seriously satisfying homemade cooking!
Delicious Grilled Chicken Kebabs
This recipe is a classic for a reason: it’s simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12-15 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bell peppers, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and vegetables, and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
- Grill the kebabs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Meat on a Stick:
- Don't overcrowd the skewers: Leave some space between the pieces of meat and vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate for maximum flavor: The longer you marinate the meat, the more flavorful your kebabs will be.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your kebabs will be as good as the ingredients you use.
- Cook to the right temperature: Always ensure your meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses.
- Get creative with your vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions.
Variations:
- Beef Kebabs: Substitute the chicken with 1 lb of cubed beef sirloin or flank steak. Adjust the marinating time as needed for beef, potentially marinating overnight for tougher cuts.
- Pork Kebabs: Use 1 lb of cubed pork tenderloin or pork loin. Pork cooks faster than chicken, so reduce grilling time accordingly.
- Lamb Kebabs: Lamb kebabs are a fantastic option! Use 1 lb of cubed lamb leg or shoulder. Marinate the lamb in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mint, and oregano for a classic Mediterranean flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is for the chicken kebab recipe and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
These meat on a stick recipes are perfect for easy weeknight meals, healthy lunches, or impressive barbecue fare. They are also a great way to get your family and friends involved in the cooking process. Enjoy experimenting with different meats, vegetables, and marinades to create your own unique and delicious kebab creations. Happy grilling!