Meat on a stick. It’s so simple, and yet universally loved in just about every culture around the world. There is something undeniably satisfying about flame-grilled, bite-sized chunks of meat served straight from the skewer. Done well, those crispy edges and juicy centres mean maximum flavour.
So let’s take a trip around the world to explore the global skewer scene and dive into a few easy, flavour-packed recipes you can throw on your own BBQ.
Turkey – The Classic Shish Kebab
Let’s kick things off where the name "kebab" really took off—Turkey.
Shish kebab (literally “skewer kebab”) typically features cubes of marinated lamb or beef, grilled over open flame and often served with flatbread, grilled veggies, and a squeeze of lemon.
Basic Shish Kebab Marinade:
- 500g lamb or beef, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp plain yoghurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Marinate overnight if you can. Thread onto skewers with capsicum and onion slices, then grill over medium-high heat until just charred.
Hot Tip: Use metal skewers or soak bamboo ones for at least 30 minutes to avoid any flaming disasters.
Japan – Yakitori
Over in Japan, yakitori is all about precision and pure flavour. These bite-sized chicken skewers are grilled over white-hot charcoal (often binchotan) and seasoned either with salt or a sweet-savory tare sauce.
What makes yakitori stand out? It's not just chicken breast. You'll find skewers featuring thigh, skin, gizzards, and even chicken hearts. For those ready to branch out beyond the usual cuts, yakitori is a flavour playground.
Easy Tare Sauce Recipe:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Simmer until slightly thickened. Brush onto skewers during the last couple minutes of grilling for a glossy, caramelised finish.
Hot Tip: Grill yakitori low and slow to avoid drying out the meat. Turn regularly and baste often.
Greece – Souvlaki
Greek souvlaki is another skewer staple. Pork is the traditional choice here, marinated with herbs and lemon, grilled to golden perfection, and usually tucked into a warm pita with tzatziki, tomato, and onion.
Basic Greek Marinade:
- 500g pork shoulder or loin, cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper
Marinate for a few hours, then grill hot and fast until just cooked through.
Hot Tip: Souvlaki works well on mini skewers for party platters or full-size for proper meal portions.
Indonesia – Satay
Take a turn to Southeast Asia and things get spicy. Chicken satay, grilled over hot coals and served with a rich peanut sauce, is the pride of Indonesian BBQ culture.
Basic Satay Marinade:
- 500g chicken thigh, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Splash of hot water to thin
Grill the skewers over high heat and serve with the sauce on the side—or smothered, if you're feeling bold.
Hot Tip: Satay is ideal for charcoal grills, where the smoke adds depth to the sweet and spicy flavours.
Australia – Backyard Kebabs, Done Our Way
Here in Australia, we’ve got our own take on skewers. We’re happy threading lamb, beef, prawns, or a mix of all three on our kebabs, which are a go-to for weekend BBQs, family dinners, and game-day feeds.
Our style? Big flavours, easy prep, and plenty of heat.
Aussie Lamb Kebab Marinade:
- 500g lamb leg, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Vegemite (trust us)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Skewer with red onion and capsicum, then grill until the edges start to crisp. Serve with flatbread, garlic sauce, or a dollop of chimichurri.
Hot Tip: The Mini Rotisserie Grill is perfect for hands-free kebab sessions. Load up the skewers, fire up the charcoal, and let the motor do the hard work.
So Why Do We Love Skewers So Much?
Skewers are the ultimate social food. They’re easy to share, quick to cook, and endlessly customisable. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a crowd, skewers keep things simple and satisfying.
They also bring the heat right where it counts: direct flame, quick sear, and genuine, classic flavour. With the right gear—like stainless steel skewers, a reliable grill, or a motorised rotisserie setup—you can turn any BBQ into a skewer haven.
So next time you fire up the grill, ditch the knife and fork. Grab some skewers, get marinating, and let the world’s best BBQ traditions do the talking.