12 Kebab Recipes From Around the World That Make Dinner Feel Like a Party

There is something fun about food on a stick. Kebabs and skewers sizzle on the grill, look colorful on a platter, and make every dinner feel a little like a party. Better yet, almost every culture has its own version, from Turkish Adana kebab to Japanese yakitori. So we gathered our favorite kebab recipes that you can cook on a grill, a grill pan or even under the oven broiler. Each one has a quick marinade and easy steps. Ready to fire things up? Let us go..

Mixed Kebab Platter With Flatbread

Start with a big mixed platter and let everyone build their own plate. This one has chicken, beef and shrimp skewers, all with simple marinades. Then you add warm flatbread, lemon wedges and a cool yogurt sauce. It is a perfect weekend dinner for friends. Also, the same platter idea works with any of the kebab recipes on this list. Which skewer would you grab first?

You will need: 1 lb chicken thighs (cubed), 1 lb beef sirloin (cubed), 1/2 lb large shrimp, 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 lemons, 4 garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 small cucumber, fresh parsley, flatbread, wooden or metal skewers

How to make it: First, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. Then mix the oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika and cumin, and divide it over the chicken, beef and shrimp. Next, marinate the meat for 1 to 4 hours and the shrimp for 20 minutes. After that, thread everything onto skewers and grill over medium high heat until cooked through. Finally, mix yogurt with grated cucumber and serve with flatbread and lemon.

Kebab Recipes 101: Classic Shish Kebab

Shish kebab simply means meat on a skewer, and this classic never goes out of style. Juicy cubes of beef or lamb are threaded with peppers and onions. Then they grill until the edges are charred and smoky. Also, the vegetables soak up all the tasty juices. It is a great first recipe if you are new to grilling.

You will need: 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin or lamb (cubed), 1 red pepper, 1 green pepper, 1 red onion, 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper

How to make it: First, whisk the oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Then add the meat and marinate for at least 2 hours. Next, cut the peppers and onion into chunks. After that, thread the meat and vegetables onto skewers. Finally, grill over medium high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often.

Japanese Yakitori

Yakitori is grilled chicken on a skewer, and it is a favorite in Japanese pubs. Small pieces of chicken thigh and green onion are brushed with a sweet soy glaze called tare. As a result, they turn sticky, glossy and slightly charred. It is perfect as a snack or a light dinner with rice. Have you tried yakitori before?

You will need: 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (bite size), 6 green onions (cut in 1 inch pieces), 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup mirin, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon sake or water

How to make it: First, simmer the soy sauce, mirin, sugar and sake for 10 minutes until slightly thick. Then thread the chicken and green onions onto skewers. Next, grill over medium heat for 4 minutes per side. After that, brush with the sauce and grill for 1 more minute. Finally, brush again and serve hot.

Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers cook in just a few minutes, so they are perfect for busy nights. A buttery garlic and lemon marinade makes them juicy and bright. Also, they pair well with rice, salad or pasta. Just do not marinate them too long, or the lemon will make them soft. Quick poll: (A) shrimp, (B) chicken, (C) beef, or (D) veggie skewers? Also, if you love this, try our family favorite meatball recipes.

You will need: 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp (peeled), 3 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 garlic cloves, 1 lemon (zest and juice), 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, salt

How to make it: First, mix the butter, oil, garlic, lemon, pepper flakes and salt. Then toss the shrimp in it and marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. Next, thread the shrimp onto skewers. After that, grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink. Finally, sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon.

Indian Kebab Recipes: Chicken Tikka Skewers

Chicken tikka is a star of Indian restaurants, and it is easy to make at home. The chicken soaks in yogurt and warm spices, so it stays tender and full of flavor. Then the grill gives it a smoky char. Serve it with naan and mint chutney for a feast. This might become your favorite of all these kebab recipes.

You will need: 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (cubed), 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 red onion

How to make it: First, mix the yogurt, ginger garlic paste, spices, lemon juice and salt. Then add the chicken and marinate for 4 hours or overnight. Next, thread the chicken and onion chunks onto skewers. After that, grill over medium high heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning often. Finally, serve with naan, rice and chutney.

Ground Meat Kebab Recipes: Kofta Kebabs

Kofta are juicy kebabs made from spiced ground meat. Instead of cubes, you shape the meat around the skewer like a long sausage. Onion, garlic, parsley and warm spices give them big flavor. They are popular across the Middle East, Turkey and South Asia. Moreover, they are budget friendly and kid friendly too.

You will need: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or lamb, 1 small onion (grated), 3 garlic cloves, 1/3 cup chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt

How to make it: First, squeeze the extra water from the grated onion. Then mix everything together with your hands. Next, chill the mixture for 30 minutes. After that, shape it around flat skewers into long logs. Finally, grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning a few times, and serve with fries or rice.

Beef and Pepper Kebabs

These colorful skewers are a backyard BBQ favorite. Tender beef sirloin soaks in a garlicky soy and Worcestershire marinade. Then it grills with sweet bell peppers until everything is juicy and charred. They are simple, hearty and great with potatoes or corn. Would you serve them with rice or a salad?

You will need: 2 lbs beef sirloin (cubed), 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 3 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 bell peppers, 1 onion

How to make it: First, whisk the soy sauce, oil, Worcestershire, sugar, garlic and pepper. Then marinate the beef for 2 to 8 hours. Next, cut the peppers and onion into squares. After that, thread the beef and vegetables onto skewers. Finally, grill over high heat for 8 to 10 minutes for medium.

Turkish Adana Kebab

Adana kebab comes from the city of Adana in southern Turkey. It is made with ground lamb, red pepper flakes and a little fat, so it is juicy and a bit spicy. Traditionally, it is grilled on wide metal skewers over charcoal. Then it is served on flatbread with grilled tomatoes and onions. It is pure comfort food.

You will need: 1 1/2 lbs ground lamb (or half beef), 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped), 1 tablespoon Aleppo or red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, flatbread, sumac onions, grilled tomatoes

How to make it: First, squeeze the chopped pepper dry. Then knead it with the lamb and spices for 5 minutes until sticky. Next, chill for 1 hour. After that, press the meat onto wide skewers in long, flat logs. Finally, grill over high heat for 8 to 10 minutes and serve on flatbread.

Vegetarian Kebab Recipes: Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Veggie skewers are not just a side dish. With a tasty herb marinade, they can easily be the main event. Zucchini, peppers, mushrooms and onions all turn sweet and smoky on the grill. Also, they are great for vegetarian guests. Add halloumi or tofu for extra protein.

You will need: 2 zucchini, 2 bell peppers, 1 red onion, 8 oz mushrooms, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper

How to make it: First, cut the vegetables into large, even chunks. Then whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, seasoning, salt and pepper. Next, toss the vegetables in the marinade for 20 minutes. After that, thread them onto skewers. Finally, grill over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning often.

Teriyaki Salmon Skewers

Salmon on a skewer is quick, healthy and so tasty. A homemade teriyaki sauce makes it sweet and savory, with a shiny glaze. Also, salmon is a good source of omega 3 fats. These skewers cook in under 10 minutes, so they are great for busy nights. Would your family eat fish if it came on a stick?

You will need: 1 1/2 lbs salmon fillet (skin off, cubed), 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 green pepper, sesame seeds

How to make it: First, simmer the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic and cornstarch until thick. Then thread the salmon and pepper chunks onto skewers. Next, brush with some of the sauce. After that, grill or broil for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Finally, brush with more sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers

Sometimes you just want simple, juicy chicken. These skewers use a bright lemon and garlic marinade, so they taste fresh and light. Then they get a little char from the grill. Serve them with rice, salad or tucked into a wrap. In fact, they are a great meal prep idea for the week.

You will need: 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs (cubed), 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 lemons (zest and juice), 5 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, fresh parsley

How to make it: First, whisk the oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Then add the chicken and marinate for 2 to 6 hours. Next, thread the chicken onto skewers. After that, grill over medium high heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning often. Finally, sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon.

Kebab Recipes for a Full Meal: Lamb Kebab Plate With Rice

Turn your kebabs into a full dinner plate. Juicy lamb skewers sit on fluffy rice with a crisp salad and a garlicky yogurt sauce. It is the kind of meal you would order at a favorite kebab shop. However, it is easy to make at home with simple spices. Quick poll: (A) rice, (B) flatbread, or (C) both?

You will need: 1 1/2 lbs lamb leg (cubed), 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 lemon, 3 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried mint, salt, 2 cups cooked basmati rice, 1 cup yogurt, cucumber and tomato salad

How to make it: First, mix the oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, mint and salt. Then marinate the lamb for at least 2 hours. Next, thread it onto skewers and grill for 8 to 10 minutes. After that, mix the yogurt with a little garlic and salt. Finally, serve the kebabs over rice with salad and yogurt sauce.