Cocktail Kebabs

Cocktail Kebabs Recipe from Turkey - Shrimp, Green Onions, and More!

Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cocktail kebabs are a fun and delicious appetizer that are perfect for any gathering or party. These colorful and flavorful kebabs are sure to impress your guests and are easy to prepare.

History

Cocktail kebabs have been a popular party food for decades, with origins dating back to the mid-20th century. Originally served as a way to showcase a variety of ingredients in a visually appealing way, cocktail kebabs have evolved over the years to include a wide range of flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

8 large cooked shrimp
2 trimmed green onions
0.5 seeded red bell pepper, cut in thin strips and decorative shapes
8 small ripe or green olives
1 crushed garlic clove
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp coarsely ground mustard
0.25 tsp creamed horseradish

How to prepare

Remove the heads and body shells from the shrimp, but leave the tail shells intact.
Devein the shrimp by removing the black spinal cord.
Cut each green onion into 4 daisies.
Put the shrimp, green onions, and bell pepper in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, mustard, and horseradish.
Pour the marinade over the shrimp mixture, cover, and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Remove the ingredients from the marinade and thread them equally onto 8 wooden picks.
Drain the shrimp on paper towels.

Variations

Include small slices of avocado in the shrimp mixture.
Use different types of seafood such as scallops or lobster.
Add vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or mushrooms to the kebabs.
Experiment with different marinades and seasonings for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to ensure a clean and tasty final product.

- Marinating the ingredients for at least 2 hours will help infuse them with flavor.

- Use wooden picks to easily thread the ingredients onto the kebabs.

- Drain the shrimp on paper towels before serving to remove excess marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cocktail kebabs as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as cocktail sauce or aioli.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or broiling the kebabs will give them a nice charred flavor, while baking them in the oven is a healthier option.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or tofu in place of shrimp for a different protein option.

- Substitute different types of olives or peppers for a unique flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the marinade and marinate the ingredients ahead of time, then assemble the kebabs just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cocktail kebabs on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cocktail kebabs pair well with a variety of beverages such as white wine, champagne, or a refreshing cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cocktail kebabs contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cocktail kebabs contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cocktail kebabs contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of cocktail kebabs contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cocktail kebabs are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Cocktail kebabs contain shellfish (shrimp) and may contain allergens such as seafood and olives.

Summary

Cocktail kebabs are a low-carb, high-protein appetizer that is rich in vitamins and minerals. They are a flavorful and healthy option for any party or gathering.

Summary

Cocktail kebabs are a delicious and versatile appetizer that is perfect for any party or gathering. With a variety of flavors and ingredients, they are sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was at a summer barbecue party in the backyard of our neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins. She had a spread of delicious foods laid out on a table, but what caught my eye were these beautifully arranged cocktail kebabs.

The kebabs were a colorful array of cherry tomatoes, cubes of cheese, slices of salami, and olives, all skewered on toothpicks and drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. They looked so appetizing and festive, I couldn't resist trying one. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the juicy tomatoes, the creamy cheese, the salty salami, and the briny olives all came together in perfect harmony.

I immediately sought out Mrs. Jenkins to ask her for the recipe. She smiled and warmly welcomed me into her kitchen, where she showed me how to make the cocktail kebabs step by step. As I watched her expertly assemble the kebabs, I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

Mrs. Jenkins explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down to her. She told me that cocktail kebabs were a family tradition, a staple at every gathering and celebration. I was enchanted by the idea of carrying on this tradition in my own family.

I went home that day with a head full of new knowledge and a heart full of excitement. I couldn't wait to try making cocktail kebabs for my own family. I gathered the ingredients - cherry tomatoes, cheese, salami, olives, and a homemade vinaigrette - and got to work.

As I sliced, skewered, and drizzled, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. The kebabs turned out just as delicious as Mrs. Jenkins'. My family loved them, and they quickly became a favorite appetizer at our gatherings.

Over the years, I continued to make cocktail kebabs for family and friends, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I felt like a culinary magician, able to bring people together with just a simple skewer of delicious ingredients.

As time went on, I started to experiment with different variations of the cocktail kebabs. I added different types of cheese, swapped out the salami for prosciutto, and even tried marinating the ingredients in different sauces. Each variation brought a new burst of flavor and excitement to the dish.

I shared my new creations with Mrs. Jenkins, who was delighted by my creativity and innovation. She encouraged me to keep experimenting and to never be afraid to try new things in the kitchen. I took her advice to heart, and my cocktail kebabs became even more popular among my friends and family.

As the years passed, I realized that the recipe for cocktail kebabs was more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions. It was a connection to the past, a link to the traditions and memories of generations before me. It was a way to bring people together, to share love and joy through food.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for cocktail kebabs to my own grandchildren, I know that I am passing on more than just a recipe. I am passing on a piece of myself, a piece of my history and my heart. I hope that they will continue to make cocktail kebabs for their own families, creating new memories and traditions along the way.

And so, the legacy of cocktail kebabs lives on, a delicious reminder of the power of food to bring people together and to create lasting memories. It is a recipe that will forever hold a special place in my heart, a recipe that will continue to be shared and cherished for generations to come.