There really is nothing quite as nice as a Shish Kebab meal on a warm summer night. 

The delicious flavors of a Shish Kebab can really pack a punch in a neat and convenient way. This fun meal brings families together for a tasty evening. 

These BBQ skewers are convenient on the go, and they are also wonderful to enjoy at a backyard picnic or large gathering. 

And better still - they are healthy and delicious!

What is a Shish Kebab?

A shish kebab is a meal of grilled meats and veggies on a skewer. Sometimes the skewers are wooden, sometimes they are steel. 

They are often beautifully arranged on the skewer - alternating meats and veggies - like onions, red and green peppers, and mushrooms. 

Popular meat choices for kebabs are lamb, chicken, pork, and beef. The meats are often marinated overnight prior to grilling.

Where Did Shish Kebabs Come From?

The term shish kebab originated from the Turkish. It is a version of their words şiş kebap. Translated, it means "skewer with roast meat”. 

Shish kebabs are a go-to Turkish meal that became popular in history as a convenient meal for nomadic tribes. They then became quite popular in the Mediterranean, from the Middle East to North Africa, and then Greece

Shish Kebabs are also very similar to a satay meal (sate) from the cultures of Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Kebabs became popular in the United States around the 1960s, due to popular films at the time that introduced Greek culture to the American public.

What Goes Well With Kebabs?

Are you wondering what to serve with kebabs?

When it comes to sides that go well with barbecue skewers, the options are endless. There are many side dishes that complement the flavors of the shish kebab well.

Popular sides to go with kebabs:

• Greek salad
• Coconut Rice 
• German Potato Salad
• Barley Salad
• Caesar Salad
• Fruit Salads
• Grilled Pineapple
• Corn on the Cob
• Baked Beans

How To Cook Shish Kebabs

Shish kebabs are actually quite easy to cook. 

TBJ Gourmet is an expert in grilled beef recipes. They are the top makers of delicious bacon jams. They come in a variety of flavors that help create shish kebabs to die for.  

Here is a delicious recipe from TBJ for the best BBQ skewers for you to try. It features delicious and juicy top sirloin (steak on a stick!), and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. 

The Recipe

This Shish Kebab meat on a stick recipe is adjusted from Host The Toast.  

*You can substitute chicken if you’d prefer.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz of TBJ Bacon Jam 
• 16 oz barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup bourbon
• 2 lbs Top Sirloin, cut into 1” cube pieces

Directions: 

• Light the grill and heat to medium-high
• In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and bourbon. Mix well. 
• Mix in the TBJ bacon jam until completely smooth for kebab sauce.
• Put the top sirloin pieces in a bowl and then rub with the mixture. 
• Once well-coated, thread the top sirloin pieces onto skewers (pre-soak if they’re wooden).
• Place the kebabs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until nearly cooked through.
• Brush the kebabs with more of the bourbon bacon sauce and cook for an additional minute on each side.

This recipe is sure to help you make the best barbecue skewers. 

Tip: You can always marinade the meat for this recipe ahead of time if you wish. This will free you up to spend more time with your guests. Simply heat up the grill and add the kebabs when you are ready. 

You can also adjust this recipe to cook your steak kabobs in the oven. 

Serving Up Fun

Shish kebabs really are the perfect summer meal for you and your family to enjoy. They are more fun and colorful than your traditional summer grilled steak recipes. 

Be sure to try a variety of meats for your shish kebabs. Alternate veggie options, too.

Serve your kebabs with a side of TBJ bacon jam for a dipping sauce for your steak kabobs. The sauce will warm your guest’s taste buds. Experiment with different TBj bacon jam flavors - it really is the best shish kebab sauce. 

On a sturdy plate, place your kebabs over coconut rice pilaf or jasmine rice. Add a lemon or lime wedge on the side.  

Have a nice selection of side dishes to choose from, and enjoy!

Bon Apétit!