The warm weather and long days of summer are the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and get creative with your kabobs! But why settle for just any old kabob when you can elevate them with flavorful marinades that add depth, excitement, and a little bit of adventure to each bite? In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world with 20 mouthwatering kabob marinade recipes that will make your taste buds do the happy dance. From classic combinations like garlic and herb to spicy sriracha honey and sweet and tangy BBQ, we’ve got you covered with a diverse array of flavors to suit every palate.
Garlic and Herb Chicken Kabobs Marinade
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this flavorful marinade that combines the savory goodness of garlic and herbs to create mouthwatering chicken kabobs. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Place chicken kabobs (1-2 pounds) in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to overnight, flipping occasionally.
5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Honey Beef Kabobs Marinade
Elevate your grill game with this sweet and spicy marinade for tender beef kabobs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup beef broth
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine soy sauce, honey, Sriracha sauce, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
2. Add olive oil and blend until well combined.
3. Stir in beef broth and set aside.
4. Place beef cubes in a large bowl or zip-top plastic bag. Pour marinade over beef and toss to coat.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight, flipping occasionally.
6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated beef onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
7. Cook kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Kabobs Marinade
Brighten up your outdoor gatherings with this refreshing and flavorful marinade recipe! This citrusy blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs elevates the taste of succulent shrimp kabobs.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the shrimp in a shallow dish or zip-top plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover the dish or seal the bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Cook kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Teriyaki Pineapple Pork Kabobs Marinade
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of this Asian-inspired marinade, perfect for grilled pork kabobs.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Place pork kabobs in the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove kabobs from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Mediterranean Lamb Kabobs Marinade with Yogurt
Elevate your grilling game with this refreshing marinade that combines the creaminess of yogurt with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean. Perfect for lamb kabobs, this recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional marination.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh oregano leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Place lamb kabobs in a shallow dish or zip-top plastic bag. Pour marinade over the kabobs, turning to coat evenly.
3. Cover or seal; refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove kabobs from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Lime Steak Kabobs Marinade
This marinade combines the rich flavors of chipotle peppers with the brightness of lime juice, creating a bold and zesty accompaniment to your grilled steak kabobs.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the marinade in a shallow dish. Add steak kabobs and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove kabobs from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Kabobs Marinade
This marinade combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of citrus to create a deliciously flavorful BBQ chicken kabob. Perfect for your next backyard barbecue or potluck, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
6. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Greek-Inspired Lemon Oregano Lamb Kabobs Marinade
Add a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your lamb kabobs with this refreshing marinade, featuring bright lemon and earthy oregano. Perfect for a quick and impressive summer dinner or BBQ gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Place lamb kabobs (about 1-2 pounds) in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over lamb, turning to coat evenly.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Remove lamb from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook lamb kabobs according to your preferred method (about 8-12 minutes total).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Asian Sesame Ginger Beef Kabobs Marinade
Elevate your grilled beef kabobs with this aromatic and savory marinade, featuring the bold flavors of sesame oil, ginger, and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and sesame seeds. Blend until smooth.
2. Place beef kabobs (1-2 pounds) in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the beef, turning to coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove kabobs from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Kabobs Marinade
This refreshing marinade combines the bright flavors of cilantro and lime with a hint of spice, perfect for grilling shrimp kabobs. With its bold and zesty taste, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine lime juice, garlic, olive oil, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Place the shrimp in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Balsamic Rosemary Pork Kabobs Marinade
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this flavorful marinade, combining the richness of balsamic vinegar and the earthiness of rosemary. Perfect for pork kabobs, this marinade is easy to prepare and adds depth to any BBQ or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Place pork kabobs in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove kabobs from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until pork reaches desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Kabobs Marinade
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this aromatic marinade, perfect for grilling or baking chicken kabobs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning (such as Walkers Wood or homemade blend)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, jerk seasoning, lime juice, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Place chicken kabobs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
4. Seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook kabobs for 10-15 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Garlic Butter Steak Kabobs Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this savory garlic butter marinade for steak kabobs! Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or as an impressive dinner party addition.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup softened butter, cut into small pieces
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in chopped parsley.
3. Place your steak kabobs (beef, chicken, or pork) in a shallow dish or zip-top plastic bag. Pour marinade over the kabobs, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove kabobs from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Pineapple Soy Glazed Tofu Kabobs Marinade
Elevate your grilled tofu game with this sweet and savory marinade, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ. The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a sticky glaze that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, olive oil, and sesame oil.
2. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and toss to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Thread marinated tofu onto skewers.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tofu is golden brown and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Moroccan Spiced Lamb Kabobs Marinade
Add a flavorful twist to your lamb kabobs with this aromatic Moroccan-inspired marinade.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, orange juice, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend until smooth.
2. Place the lamb cubes in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the lamb, making sure each piece is coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated lamb onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey Mustard Chicken Kabobs Marinade
Elevate your summer gatherings with this sweet and tangy chicken kabob marinade, featuring the perfect balance of honey and mustard flavors. This easy-to-make marinade is a crowd-pleaser for any outdoor gathering or casual dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, honey, mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Place chicken kabobs in a shallow dish; pour marinade over the kabobs.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove kabobs from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Peanut Satay Beef Kabobs Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful and spicy marinade that combines the richness of peanut butter, the heat of chili flakes, and the savory taste of soy sauce. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chili flakes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chili flakes, garlic, and ginger.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Place beef kabobs (sliced into 1-inch thick pieces) in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove kabobs from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Citrus Herb Shrimp Kabobs Marinade
Elevate your shrimp kabobs with this bright and zesty marinade that combines the flavors of citrus, herbs, and spices. Perfect for a quick and easy summer dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine orange juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the shrimp in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Maple Dijon Pork Kabobs Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this sweet and savory marinade, perfect for pork kabobs. This recipe combines the richness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard for a flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Place pork kabobs in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over kabobs, turning to coat evenly.
3. Seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove kabobs from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until pork reaches desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Tandoori-Style Yogurt Chicken Kabobs Marinade
Tandoori-Style Yogurt Chicken Kabobs Marinade
A classic Indian-inspired marinade that combines the richness of yogurt with the bold flavors of spices, perfect for grilled chicken kabobs.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons garam masala powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt, to taste
– 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garam masala powder, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using).
2. Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure they are coated evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill the chicken kabobs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these 20 flavorful kabob marinade recipes! From classic combos like garlic and herb chicken to international inspirations like Moroccan spiced lamb, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet and tangy BBQ chicken or spicy Sriracha honey beef, these marinades will add a boost of flavor to your grilled skewers. Discover new favorites and impress your friends with these easy-to-make recipes.
